THOMAS  MAGEE. 


W  So«th  Second  St.  ' 


IBRARY 


THE  UNIVERSITY 


OF  CALIFORNIA 


LOS  ANGELES 


ACROSTICAL 


EIGHTEEN 


BY 


D.  F.  LOCKERBY. 


Intended  for  the  general  Reader,  Schools,  Academies,  Colleges,  Pub- 
lic and  Private  Libraries.     Preeminently  suitable  for  Dec- 
lamation on  the  Stage,  Lyceum,   Young  Men's  Lit- 
erary Societies,  Clubs,  Literary  and  Social 
Entertainments,  and  for  the  Home. 


J.  L.  SIBOLE,  PUBLISHER  AND  BOOKSELLER, 

No.    TIT    SAXSOK    STREET. 


Copyright,  i8?b,  by  ?.  L.  SIBOLE. 


THE    WRITER    RESPECTFULLY 

DEDICATES    THIS 

VOLUME    TO 

ALEXANDER    WHILLDIN,    ESQ., 

OF    PHILADELPHIA. 


PREFACE 


The  preparation  of  these  sketches  was  first  undertaken  solely  for 
pastime  and  mental  recreation,  without  any  view  to  their  publica- 
tion. After  a  number  of  the  acrostics  had  been  written,  it  was  my 
pleasure  to  read  them,  on  various  occasions,  to  several  literary  friends 

w    for  mutual  amusement ;  each,  in  turn,  suggested  their  publication. 

,£j  After  repeated  and  urgent  solicitations  on  their  part,  I  determined 
to  submit  them  to  the  test  of  impartial,  and  in  all  other  respects 

•V* 

«.--'  qualified  criticism,  thinking  that  the  result  of  this  course  would  pre- 
**  elude  their  publication.  On  the  contrary,  however,  the  opposite 
3  course  was  recommended,  and,  accordingly,  I  now  humbly  offer 

them  to  the  public  for  their  perusal.  If  I  shall  succeed  in  instruct- 
or ing  a  single  person,  or  of  interesting  any  in  the  history  of  their 
*Q  country,  much  more,  of  pleasing  any  considerable  portion  of  the 
^  world  of  readers,  I  shall  be  more  than  gratified. 

I  am  indebted  to  the  following  authors,  whose  pages  I  consulted 

in  selecting  material  in  the  preparing  of  these  sketches:  POKTRAIT 
O  GALLERY  OF  EMINENT  MEN  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES,  GUERNSEY'S 

UNITED  STATES,  BARTLETT'S  LIFE  OF  LINCOLN,  HEADLEY'S  LIFE 
O  OF  GRANT,  BABRET'S  LIFE  OF  LINCOLN. 

a  It  is  not  all  poetry  that  is  found  in  books,  nor  is  all  the  poetry 
£}  found  in  books  all  the  poetry  extant :  far  from  it.  There  is  a 
2  poetry  of  life,  a  poetry  of  art,  a  poetry  of  nature.  Hoping  that  the 
<  reader  may  find  some  poetry  at  least,  in  the  PEN  PORTRAITS,  and 

more  of  nature  and  less  of  art,  I  respectfully  invite  your  attention 

to  the  Introduction.  AUTHOR. 

(V) 

451776 


INTRODUCTION. 


.It  is  the  author's  aim  in  these  brief  sketches  to  provide  for  the 
reader  a  bird's-eye  view  of  the  life  of  each  President,  and  of  the 
times  in  which  they  severally  moved  on  the  stage  of  human  action, 
amid  the  mighty  activities  of  a  great  uprising  nation — a  view  of  the 
century  in  the  most  thoroughly  condensed  form.  It  is  attempted  to 
give  a  summary  of  the  leading  features  which  characterize  the  life 
of  each  of  the  Presidents,  and  notice  the  momentous  events  -which 
occurred  during  the  administration  of  each.  To  take  in,  by  a  single 
sweep  of  the  horizon  with  our  little  lens,  the  first  century  of  our 
national  existence ;  its  wonderful  progress,  and  the  changes  which 
mark  and  make  it  ever  memorable.  Conspicuous  among  these  arc 
the  stupendous  acts  of  the  Revolution,  the  war  of  1812,  and  the  late 
"Great  Rebellion,"  out  of  which  have  been  evolved  the  results 
which  have  formed  a  great  and  mighty  nation.  My  perusal  of  the 
life  of  each  President  has  proved  both  interesting  and  profitable,  and 
if  this  volume  shall  induce  any  young  man,  who  has  not  already 
done  so,  thoroughly  to  peruse  the  lives  of  our  Presidents,  it  will 
accomplish  a  most  important  end.  They  are  to  be  found  in  every 
public  library  and  book-store  in  the  land,  and  the  time  spent  in  their 
perusal  is  time  well  spent.  The  history  of  our  race  can  furnish  no 
grander  illustrations  of  how  men  may  rise  out  of  the  deepest  poverty 
and  obscurity,  contending  successfully  against  the  most  formidable 
difficulties,  to  the  loftiest  height  of  human  attainment.  In  other 
words,  how  men  by  indomitable  energy,  untiring  industry,  and 
indefatigable  perseverance,  may  rise  to  immortal  fame  and  wield 
the  widest  influence,  illustrating  Sir  Isaac  Newton's  idea  of  genius. 

(vii) 


Vlll  INTRODUCTION. 

Of  our  eighteen  Presidents,  eight  enjoyed  the  advantages  of  early 
culture  and  of  comparative  affluence.  Of  the  remaining  ten,  six 
were  born  of  penury,  four  medium.  Five  were  college  graduates. 
Eleven  were  professional  lawyers,  five  from  military  life,  two  rose 
mainly  through  a  political  career.  Fifteen  were  elected,  and  three 
succeeded  from  the  Vice-Presidency  to  the  Presidential  chair. 

Seven  were  born  in  Virginia. 
Two  in  North  Carolina. 
Two  in  Massachusetts. 
One  in  South  Carolina. 
Two  in  New  York. 
One  in  New  Hampshire. 
One  in  Pennsylvania. 
One  in  Kentucky. 
One  in  Ohio. 

Throughout  I  have  aimed  to  be  strictly  impartial  and  candid  in 
the  presentment  of  each.  The  reason  why  some  of  the  sketches  are 
longer  than  others  is  obvious,  because  there  are  more  events  of  great 
moment  crowded  into  the  life  of  some  than  of  others.  It  must  be 
confessed  that  Washington,  Jackson,  Lincoln  and  Grant  stand  out 
more  conspicuously  on  the  face  of  our  national  history  than  any  of 
the  others.  They  were,  by  the  nature  of  circumstances  and  exigen- 
cies  of  the  times,  when  summoned  to  the  front,  when  every  moment 
was  crowded  by  great  events,  made  to  occupy,  emphatically,  periods 
to  be  called  crises  in  the  national  life — to  guide  the  ship  of  State  in 
the  midst  of  events  which  affected  her  most  vital  interests,  if  not  in 
each  instance,  the  perpetuity  of  the  nation  herself.  Hoping  that 
these  sketches  may  be  acceptable  to  the  reader,  and  this  attempt  to 
dolionor  to  the  memory  of  our  distinguished  Presidents,  and  to  pro- 
vide a  fitting  memorial  of  the  One  Hundredth  Anniversary  of  the  In 
dependence  of  the  United  States  of  America,  may  not  be  in  vain  ; 
and  that  the  PEN  PORTRAITS  may  become  a  favorite  gift-book  by  all 


INTRODUCTION.  IX 

who  love  our  free  and  glorious  country — which  fathers  and  mothers 
•will  delight  to  bestow  on  their  sons  as  the  birthday  or  holiday  pres- 
ent inspiring  in  their  young  breasts  the  same  glorious  spirit  of 
Washington,  determining  them  to  preserve  forever  that  freedom 
which  he  and  the  fathers  of  our  country  have  bequeathed  us  ;  and 
that  eiaulating  their  example,  they  may  be  induced  to  imitate  their 
virtues,  and,  like  them,  rise  to  positions  of  distinction  and  honor,  is. 

the  earnest  desire  of  the 

AUTHOR:. 

Philadelphia,  September  lit,  1875. 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON. 


Bridge's  Creek,  Potomac, Westmoreland  County,  Virginia.  Father 
of  his  Country.  The  great  Military  Champion  of  American  In- 
dependence. First  President  of  the  United  States.  The  First  in 
War,  and  First  in  Peace,  and  First  in  the  Hearts  of  the  People, 
always. 

BORN,  FEB.  22,  1732.    DIED,  DEC.  14,  1799. 


G  reat,  consecrated  and  immortal  name, 
E  mblem  of  glory,  honor,  truth  and  fame, 

0  'er  all  his  fellows — see  !  he  grandly  towers, 
R  ising  amid  the  great — excels  their  powers. 
G  reat  his  designs  in  time  of  war  or  peace, 

E  nlisted  wholly,  solely,  for  the  Land's  increase. 

Within  his  own  great  and  prophetic  heart, 

A  nation  is  equipped  in  every  part. 

S  ee !  when  the  hour  to  strike  for  Freedom  comes, 

H  e  draws  his  sword ;  and  first  among  the  sons, 

1  mmortal  sons  of  glory,  takes  his  place. 

N  ations  admire,  kings  rush  to  his  embrace. 
G  reatest  of  all  the  nations  forth  is  brought, 
T  he  new-born  nation  Washington  had  sought 
O  'er  the  broad  continent  he  casts  his  eye, 
N  ow  free  forever — he  is  free  to  die. 
(3) 


PEN   PORTRAITS. 

B  orn  of  old  English  stock  of  noble  fame, 

R  anks  high  his  family  and  ancestral  name. 

I  n  early  years  his  father  dies,  and  he 

D  epends  on  mother,  what  his  life  shall  be. 

Greatest  of  blessings  is  a  mother  good, 

E  arly  to  feed  the  soul  with  wholesome  food : 

S  he  as  a  mother  without  equal  stood. 

C  areful,  she  taught  him  every  wise  behest ; 

R  eligious  precepts — the  purest  and  the  best. 

Early  to  school  she  sent  her  son,  'tis  true — 

E  ach  school  day  course,  her  course  did  far  out-do. 

K  ind-hearted  youth— yet  wore  a  front  of  iron 

P  uts  not  away  the  lovely,  witching  siren, 
O  f  rules  for  conduct  had  a  hundred  fold 
T  o  guide,  to  fashion,  every  thought  to  mould. 
O  f  books,  the  Bible  and  Sir  Matthew  Hale 
M  ade  his  first  study ;  these  o'er  all  prevail. 
A  n  expert  was  in  mathematics,  too, 
C  lassical  colleges  he  never  knew. 

When  sixteen  years  of  age,  his  school  days  end, 
E  arly  in  life  to  business  must  attend. 
S  o  trained  in  virtue,  famed  for  love  of  truth, 
'T  is  his  to  form  the  model  son  and  youth. 
M  odest  and  mighty,  he  grew  up  a  man 
O  f  noblest  purpose,  both  to  act  and  plan, 
R  ich  in  the  noblest  feelings  of  a  manly  heart, 
E  ver  he  acts  a  great  and  noble  part. 


GEORGE   WASHINGTON. 

L  ike  Joseph,  David,  Daniel,  who  of  old 

Are  seen  to -shine  like  stars  of  purest  gold. 

N  or  can  we  rank  less  worthy  him  to-day, 

D  eep  in  whose  heart  the  same  high  motives  sway. 

C  areful  that  saintly  mother  taught  her  son : 

0  f  all  her  work  this  wast  most  carefully  done. 
U  nconsciously  she  trained  a  leader  great, 

N  or  dreams  she  that  a  President  he'll  make ; 

To  her  great  joy,  she  lives  to  see  the  day 

Y  oung  George,  her  son,  this  honor  bore  away. 

V  irginia's  hills  and  vales  surveyed,  and  solved 

1  ntricate  problems  which  estates  involved. 
R  emiss  to  duty — he  was  never  charged, 
G  enial  to  all,  his  heart  and  mind  enlarged. 
I  n  unity,  he  with  his  brother  dwelt, 

N  o  discord  marred  the  joy  these  brothers  felt 
I  nduced  was  he  to  seek  a  naval  fame, 
A  s  oft  his  brother  had  advised  the  same. 

F  ortune  decided  otherwise,  for  he 
A  mother's  counsel  heeded,  as  we  see 
T  he  British  navy  lost  a  good  recruit, 
H  alf  of  a  continent  this  from  Britain  took. 
E  'en  now  the  seed  is  cast  within  the  field, 
R  ising  in  glory  will  a  nation  yield. 


6  PEN    PORTRAITS. 

0  'er  mountain  heights,  through  valleys,  and  o'er  plains, 
F  airfax,  his  friend,  with  George  delights  to  range. 

H  ark !  in  the  West  the  din  of  war  we  hear, 

1  ndians  with  French  'gainst  Britain's  power  appear. 
S  elected  by  Dinwiddie  to  convey 

C  ross  mountain  wilds,  o'er  pathless  miles  away, 

0  ne  single  message  to  the  French  commander, 
U  naw'd  he  undertakes  this  toil  of  grandeur, 

N  or  goes  in  vain — selects  the  best  location 
T  o  rear  his  future  forts,  by  observation. 
R  aised  for  the  frontier  are  three  hundred  men, 
Y  oung  George,  Lieutenant  Colonel,  over  them. 

T  he  brave  young  colonel,  with  but  part  his  troops, 
H  as  gone  to  see  how  frontier  service  looks. 
E  re  his  arrival  hostile  French  again 

G  reat  Britain's  power  would  scornfully  disdain. 

R  eady  for  action  under  Jummonville, 

E  nlisted  for  a  fight,  he  sets  his  will. 

A  skirmish,  that  is  all,  he  routs  the  foe, 

T  o  flight  they're  put ;  their  leader  lying  low. 

M  idst  these  fatigues,  the  first  commander  dies 

1  n  Washington,  command-in-chief  relies. 

L  acking  no  part  that  makes  a  chieftain  true. 


GEORGE   WASHINGTON. 

I  ncreased  his  army  with  fresh  troops  we  view, 
'T  is  his  to  march  his  force  to  Fort  Duquesne, 
A  nd  there  attack  the  strong  French  garrison. 
R  etreat  from  this,  he  finds  his  only  course, 
Y  ields  he  to  numbers,  in  far  superior  force. 

C  omes  back  and  halts  at  Fort  Necessity, 

H  is  gallantry  displays  and  bravery. 

A  ttacked  by  French  and  Indian  forces  strong, 

M  atches  his  far  inferior  numbers  long, 

P  lants  himself  in  the  front  line  of  the  fight, 

I  n  action  fearless  leads,  with  dauntless  might 

O  'ercome  by  numbers  superior  to  his  own, 

N  ow  yields  the  fort ;  in  bravery  yields  to  none. 

0  Id  England  now  her  bravest  general  sends, 
F  rench  troops  to  banish  from  her  soil  intends. 

A  grand  display — Virginia's  rangers  come, 

M  arshalled  with  regulars ;  Braddock  and  Washington 

E  agerly  take  the  field  for  Fort  Duquesne. 

R  anked  next  to  Braddock,  Washington  is  seen. 

1  ndifferent  to  the  crafty  Indian's  guile, 

C  areless  is  Braddock,  thinking  of  no  wile, 

A  n  Indian  ambuscade  he  feareth  not, 

N  or  will  he  learn,  by  Washington  though  taught 

I  ndians  behind  the  trees  now  lie  in  wait, 

N  or  will  he  know  till  they  have  sealed  his  fate. 


8  PEN   PORTRAITS. 

D  ashing  forward,  his  men  he  leads  in  pride, 

E  ntering  the  forest — now  from  every  side 

P  ouring  volley  on  volley,  Braddock  he  falls  dead. 

E  ach  tree  an  Indian  hides ;   the  woods  run  red. 

N  othing  is  left  for  them  that  now  survive, 

D  efeated  thus  by  such  a  dire  surprise, 

E  xcept  retreat — the  best  that  they  can  do ; 

N  o  other  course  for  them  is  left  in  view. 

C  rafty  the  Indian  tried,  and  tried  in  vain, 

E  ach  deadly  shot  for  Washington  took  aim. 

A  t  his  brave  heart  leveled  each  musket  shot, 
N  ow,  e'en  his  coat  these  bullets  entered  not. 
D  etermined  now,  the  French  troops  they  must  rout 

F  orbes,  Brigadier  General,  is  sent  out ; 

I  nstructed,  goes  to  capture  Fort  Duquesne. 

R  eturn  they  did   not,   Forbes  and  Washington, 

S  weeping  before  them  every  barrier  down, 

T  ill  no  French  fort  in  all  the  West  is  found. 

P  lace  Washington,  of  heroes,  first  among ; 

R  eared  thus  a  warrior,  when  the  pressure  comes, 

E  xacting  taxes  from  Columbia's  sons — 

S  ad  error,  which  by  Parliament  was  made, 

I  nduced  the  colonies  a  war  to  wage. 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON. 

D  eep  in  the  heart  of  Washington  there  grew 
E  ternal  principles  of  justice  true. 
N  ow  Patrick  Henry  by  his  heart  appeals 
T  his  heart  can  pierce,  which  quivering  feels, 

0  ne,  quick  the  other,  flies  each  fiery  shaft 

F  ast  through  the  heart,  where  leaden  shot  ne'er  pass'd.. 

"To  arms ! "  the  cry  resounds  all  o'er  the  land, 
H  ear  soon  the  clash  of  arms  on  every  hand. 
E  'en  now  at  Boston  and  at  Lexington, 

U  nwilling  warfare  has  ere  this  begun. 

N  ow  all  convened  in  solemn  conclave  met, 

1  n  awful  firm  resolve  each  man  is  set 

T  he  conscript  fathers,  there  did  dare  to  rise, 

E  'en  though  darkness  deep  should  lower  the  skies, 

D  etermined  they,  for  Independence  swore, 

S  igned,  sealed,  proclaimed  their  purpose  evermore. 

T  o  Washington,  the  Congress  wisely  gave 

A  place,  the  highest,  and  the  country  save. 

T  o  bring  his  country  quick  and  sure  relief, 

E  xalted  is  to  the  command-in-chief, 

S  aves  the  whole  nation,  and  defeats  her  foes. 

F  irmly  upon  his  purpose  bent  he  goes 
I  n  rapid  marches  to  Boston,  makes  his  way 
R  eady,  all  things  prepares,  as  best  he  may. 
S  everely  taxed,  amid  such  vast  confusion, 
'T  is  his  to  rid  the  place  of  Howe's  intrusion. 


10  PEN   PORTRAITS. 

I  ncessant  toil,  all  through  the  hours  of  night, 
N  ow  Dorchester,  he  fortifies  her  heights ; 

When  suddenly  the  British  troops  embark 
A 11  trace  of  whom  is  gone  before  'tis  dark. 
R  edoubled  force  the  British  bring  to  bear 

A  round  New  York ;  they're  bound  to  triumph  there. 
N  ow  poorly  clad,  his  army  bare  and  small, 
D  ares  Washington,  with  new  recruits  and  all, 

F  orward  to  march,  this  stronghold  to  defend, 

I  n  face  of  all  that  Britain  Great  may  send. 

R  egardless  of  her  war  ships,  soldiers  brave 

S  ee  Washington  intent  New  York  to  save. 

They  land  their  troops,  the  ships  command  the  shore. 

I  mpending  ruin  for  raw  recruits  in  store, 
N  ot  able  to  contend,  he  bears  defeat. 

P  laces  his  men,  wise  course,  in  full  retreat ; 
E  mbarks  his  troops  'neath  cover  of  the  night 
A  rrives  in  New  York  safe,  the  foe  in  sight. 
C  ross  o'er  he  must,  and  in  New  Jersey  come, 
E  ach  moment  counts,  as  flying  soldiers  run. 

A  series  of  disasters  and  defeat 

N  ow  mark  his  course — his  only  hope  retreat ; 

D  epressed  and  starving  soldiers  now  desert, 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  ll 

F  ears  and  distress  bear  down  on  every  heart 
I  n  no  respect  is  Washington  dismayed, 
R  esolute,  sends  to  Congress  for  fresh  aid ; 
S  ecures,  for  soldiers,  rations  and  fair  pay, 
T  asks  his  brave  heart  by  night  as  well  by  day. 

I  n  winter  storms,  harassed  upon  the  rear, 
N  ights  cold  and  stormy  and  no  shelter  near. 

T  o  Trenton  comes,  but  dare  not  spend  the  night, 
H  e  must  continue  still  his  pressing  flight. 
E  mbarks  his  troops  at  night.     The  Delaware. 

* 

H  igh,  rapid,  full  of  ice  floes  now  must  bear 
E  ach  almost  naked  soldier  on  her  breast ; 
A  bloody  foe  is  in  the  rear — no  rest 
R  emains  this  side,  the  dark  and  turgid  stream, 
'T  is  life  or  death  for  them  to  choose  between. 
S  tay  here  and  die — go  o'er  the  stream  and  live. 

O  f  choice,  the  latter  they  prefer ;  and  give, 
F  earless  of  danger  in  the  darkling  night, 

T  hemselves  to  grapple  with  the  water's  might. 
H  eaven  smiles  o'er  them ;  and  God's  angels  keep 
E  ach  soldier  safe — borne  o'er  the  swelling  deep — 

P  ure  angel  bands  these  vigils  ever  keep. 
E  nforcements  now  from  Philadelphia  come 
O  f  noblest  men — the  father  and  the  son. 


12  PEN   PORTRAITS, 

P  leasing  to  see,  New  Jersey  sends  her  share, 

L  ifting  from  Washington  a  load  of  care. 

E  re  morn  will  dawn,  the  tide  of  war  will  turn, 

A  nd  Lord  Cornwallis  will  in  anger  burn. 
L  et  George  alone — no  greater  general  born ; 
With  dextrous  move  Cornwallis  will  be  shorn, 
A  nd  haughty  British  troops  will  yet  retreat, 
Y  ielding  before  our  troops  will  bear  defeat. 
S  oon  they  will  break  and  run  on  "  flying  feet" 


Eager  to  turn  the  tide  of  fortune,  makes  resolve 
The  river  to  recross,  the  question  solve 
Whether  for  him  there's  better  things  in  store, 
Or  whether  he's  doomed  and  Freedom  evermore. 
These  were  the  problems  now  pressed  on  his  soul, 
His  every  thought  and  action  to  control. 


WASHINGTON'S  SOLILOQUY. 

The  night  had  grown  dark  as  Washington  wondered, 

The  wind  shrieked  aloud,  while  it  lightened  and  thundered, 

The  sky  was  o'ercast  with  a  terrible  gloom, 

Death  haunted  his  soul,  and  a  terrible  doom. 

He  thought  of  his  soldiers  by  the  foe  far  outnumbered, 

Of  his  country  in  bondage,  beleaguered  and  plundered, 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  13 

He  thought  of  his  chains  forged  heavy  and  strong, 
Of  his  country's  contempt,  injustice  and  wrong. 
He  resolves,  all  his  might,  in  one  single  blow, 
To  summon  and  level  the  merciless  foe. 
To  God  he  appeals,  and  his  soldiers  so  brave, 
His  arm  now  to  strengthen,  his  country  to  save. 


WASHINGTON  RECROSSING  THE  DELAWARE. 
BATTLE  OF  WHITE  PLAINS,  TRENTON,  N.  J. 

'Twas  a  dark,  chilly  night,  in  the  month  of  December, 

This  scene  was  enacted,  with  pride  we  remember. 

On  the  Delaware  shore,  at  the  dusk  of  the  day, 

George  Washington  stood  clad  in  battle  array. 

Saddled  and  bridled,  his  war-horse  near  by, 

His  own  stately  form  you  can  scarcely  descry 

Through  the  shadows  of  night  which  have  gathered  around, 

While  dark,  angry  clouds  in  the  heavens  have  frowned. 

The  rumbling  of  wagons,  the  trampling  of  feet, 

Orders  given  in  haste  as  the  officers  meet, 

The  dark  sullen  torrent  which  swiftly  rolls  by, 

'Neath  the  thick  gathering  gloom  of  a  dark,  angry  sky, 

Gusts  of  wind  sweeping  over  the  hard,  frozen  ground, 

All  conspired  to  produce  a  strange,  confused  sound. 

See !  how  silent  he  stands,  like  a  watchman  on  guard : 
His  countenance  solemn  he  speaks  scarce  a  word. 
Inexpressible  majesty  steals  over  his  face, 


14  PEN  PORTRAITS. 

In  his  heart  a  great  purpose,  on  his  features  you  trace. 

Ere  the  sunlight  of  morn  shall  in  splendor  appear, 

The  fate  of  his  soldiers,  now  quivering  in  fear, 

Shall  forever  be  fixed,  and  the  sun  shall  look  down 

On  a  nation  made  free,  or  forever  undone ; 

Sunk  deeper  in  ruin  or  saved  from  its  power, 

All  crowded  the  moments  of  this  night's  solemn  hour. 

But  hark !  it  is  Washington.     What  does  he  cry? 

"  Launch  the  boats  once  again — storm  and  darkness  defy." 

Mid  the  darkness  and  ice  floes  far  out  in  the  stream, 

Now  struggling  and  toiling  his  boatsmen  are  seen. 

'Bove  the  roar  of  the  waters,  the  ice  crashing  by, 

Hear  the  word  of  command  by  the  winds  borne  on  high. 

The  boats  are  now  driven  and  riven  apart, 

But  steadfast  and  firm  is  the  great  chieftain's  heart. 

Forced  forward  and  backward,  mid  the  terrible  gloom, 

'Twould  seem  they  were  nearing  a  terrible  doom  ; 

But  listen !  Hark !  there  is  heard  from  the  opposite  shore, 

A  voice.     Is  it  friendly  ?  yes.     It  is  Knox  evermore. 

What  means  he?  thro' the  darkness,  say  why  does  he  shout 

With  stentorian  voice  ?     To  remove  every  doubt 

From  our  men  steering  now  through  the  darkness  of  night 

This  is  the  reason  why  he  shouts  in  his  might. 

But  still  on  the  shore  the  chieftain  stands  calm ; 
All  night  long  he  waits  there,  these  waters  to  scan, 
Now  so  troubled  and  dark — his  men  urging  on, 
Both  famished  and  weary,  as  the  night  rolls  along.    <- 


GEORGE   WASHINGTON.  15 

The  chieftain  and  soldiers  have  all  gained  the  shore, 

Ere  the  dawning  of  day — the  river's  passed  o'er. 

The  columns  have  formed  and  are  moving  in  line 

To  Trenton  they're  bound — who  the  end  will  divine  ? 

By  two  separate  ways  to  the  city  they  come, 

A  storm  beating  down,  ere  the  onset's  begun. 

The  chieftain  in  front,  where  the  musketry  pour 

Their  volleys  of  death,  mid  noise  and  uproar. 

Our  columns  advance,  strike  with  terror  the  foe, 

Who  to  rally  their  forces  now  rush  to  and  fro. 

They're  surprised  and  confounded — astounded  to  see 

Our  men  dashing  forward,  victorious  to  be. 

As  our  columns  advance,  they  face  a  mad  storm 

Of  hail  beating  down  on  each  soldier's  brave  form. 

Clothes  soaked  with  wet ;  guns  unfit  for  use — 

What  is  to  be  done?     "Advance!"    "Charge!"    onward 

they  push. 

Now  nearing  the  picket — "  Be  unlimbered  the  guns  !" 
"Advance  to  the  charge !"     See,  the  picket  guard  runs. 
The  storm  beating  madly  the  chieftain  heeds  not, 
His  countenance  is  firm,  amid  hail,  fire  and  shot. 
His  great  purpose  of  soul,  unalterably  made, 
He'll  execute  now,  or  in  death  he'll  be  laid. 
The  cannon's  loud  thunder  through  the  storm  is  now  heard, 
Sullivan  fires,  and  now  Stark  with  the  advance  guard, 
Dashing  forward,  already  have  gained  the  street, 
Flying  Hessians,  divided,  they  everywhere  meet 


16  PEN   PORTRAITS. 

Around  Washington's  stately,  magnificent  form, 
Curls  artillery  smoke,  like  a  robe  to  adorn, 
While  he  calmly  directs  where  his  men  shall  attack, 
Leads  on  his  brave  troops  as  the  Hessians  fall  back. 

Now  direct  in  the  front  of  Washington's  column 

They  have  wheeled  in  the  street  two  thundering  cannon. 

But  two  dauntless  young  captains,  one  is  Monroe 

Charge — up  to  the  very  muzzle  of  the  guns  they  go. 

With  their  men  they  charge — and  take  them  in  time 

Ere  their  volume  of  death  has  swept  down  the  line. 

As  the  match  now  descends  they  dash  it  away, 

And  the  chieftain's  brave  column  know  not  even  delay. 

The  chieftain  in  danger  is  safe  once  again  ; 

Each  moment  discloses  some  advantage  they  gain. 

Mid  direful  confusion — apalling  the  sound 

Their  officers,  soldiers,  are  everywhere  found 

Flying  in  haste  and  o'erwhelmed  with  fear, 

As  our  soldiers  triumphant,  on  all  sides  appear. 

What  trampling  of  horsemen — what  cries  rend  the  air, 

The  cause  of  Cornwallis  is  now  in  despair. 

At  the  voice  of  the  chieftain  the  troops  sweep  along, 
His  command  still  is  given  "  Forward !  press  on." 
Strikes  the  foe  with  dismay ;  who,  secure  in  their  pride, 
Are  routed  and  flying ;  pressed  on  every  side. 
Our  men  still  advance,  bearing  down  every  foe, 
Swift  to  glory  and  victory,  onward  they  go. 


GEORGE  WASHINGTON.  17 

The  foe  being  routed,  their  flags  they  have  struck. 
At  a  gallop  comes  Washington  dashing  up, 
Exclaiming  in  pride,  as  his  war-horse  leaps  past, 
While  his  heart  bounds  for  Liberty  high  and  fast : 
"  This  is  for  our  country  a  glorious  day," 
While  victory  and  glory  he  now  bears  away. 


'Twas  Liberty  he  saw  within  the  balance  laid ; 

For  Liberty  he  watched,  and  fought,  and  prayed. 

This  was  the  spell  that  held  him  in  the  darkest  hour, 

That  nerved  him  with  resistless,  deathless  power. 

This  was  the  beacon-light  to  which  he  steered  through  storm, 

When  tossed  on  troublous  seas — 'mid  angry  billows  borne, 

This  was  the  hope  which,  like  an  anchor  firm  and  sure, 

Fast  held  him  at  his  post — want  and  fatigue  endure ; 

This  was  the  ray  which  fell  across  his  darkling  way, 

And  told  him  of  a  coming  glorious  day, 

When  the  heavens  without  a  cloud  in  view, 

The  sun  of  Liberty  would  shine  in  splendor  true ; 

This  Liberty  he  did  secure,  and  he  a  nation  made 

Ere  he  his  sword  withdrew,  or  once  the  conflict  staid. 

He  bore  his  country's  banner  safely  through  the  storm 

Of  many  a  bloody  battle — rent  and  torn ; 

Till,  proudly  streaming,  he  lifts  it  to  the  skies, 

And  foreign  rule  and  power  triumphantly  defies. 

Surrender  comes  at  last — Great  Britain  yields  the  day, 


18  PEN   PORTRAITS. 

The  chieftain  of  America  has  borne  the  palm  away. 

Rejoicing  millions  shout,  the  air  is  rent  with  joy, 

No  longer  wasting  war  our  noblest  sons  destroy. 

The  stars  and  stripes  now  proudly  wave  on  high, 

O'er  Washington  who  looks  with  grateful  glistening  eye. 

A  grateful  nation  rally  round  the  conqueror's  feet, 

And  proudly  bear  him  to  the  Presidential  seat ; 

He  sheathes  his  sword — the  art  of  peace  pursues, 

His  share  of  toil  he  will  not  now  refuse 

A  great  Republic  to  construct,  to  mould  and  form, 

Which,  like  himself,  will  history's  page  adorn. 

This  glorious  work  well  done,  his  end  draws  near, 

Calm  and  composed  meets  death  without  a  fear, 

He  says  to  those  around  him,  "  I  am  soon  to  die, 

"  I'm  not  afraid,  for  well  prepared  am  I." 

His  peace  was  made  with  God,  and  angel  bands  draw  nigh, 

His  heart  has  ceased  to  beat,  his  soul  has  soared  on  high, 

These  angel  spirits  came,  a  glorious  happy  band, 

And  safe  conveyed  his  soul  to  freedom's  happy  land, 

Where  liberty,  with  glorious  and  effulgent  ray, 

Is  theirs  who  fight  the  fight  of  faith  and  win  the  day. 


JOHN   ADAMS.  19 


JOHN  ADAMS. 


Second  President.   The  Champion  Orator  of  the  First  Continental 

Congress. 
BORN,  OCT.  30,  1735.    DIED,  JULY  4,  1826 


J  ustice  forbids  that  moral  man  should  claim 

0  f  power  sufficient  to  portray  this  name ; 

H  e  was  the  scholar,  speaker,  writer  most  profound, 
N  or  as  a  reasoner  was  his  rival  found. 

A  God-like  dignity  with  manly  grace, 

D  etermined  energy  in  time  find  place ; 

A  genius  of  the  highest  type  had  he, 

M  ade  bright  by  us,  as  polished  steel  could  be. 

S  ee,  at  the  bar  first  youthful  Adams  stands, 

Q  uick  as  the  lightning  every  will  commands. 
U  ncommon  eloquence,  resistless  power, 

1  n  rapid  strides  gains  fame's  highest  tower ; 
X  ext,  see  him  in  the  Legislative  Hall, 

C  an  he  refuse  the  people's  urgent  call  ? 
Y  earning  to  serve  and  save  his  country ;  lo ! 

a 


20  PEN   PORTRAITS. 

M  ark  well,  what  noble  deeds  his  records  show, 

A  Continental  Congress  now  convenes ; 

S  uch  men  compose  it,  and  amid  such  scenes 

S  carce  mighty  men  and  conscript  fathers  came, 

A  nd  formed  a  congress  for  "  immortal "  fame. 

C  laiming  the  right  superior  merit  gives, 

H  e  takes  the  front  rank  place  and  congress  lives. 

U  nawed  by  fear,  when  boldest  spirits  cower, 

S  ee  Adams  rise,  and  as  by  magic  power, 

E  loquence  bursting  from  his  soul,  revives 

T  heir  sinking  hearts,  and  in  their  might  they  rise ; 

T  he  noble  stand,  the  glorious  oath  each  swore, 

S  igned,  sealed  and  damned  oppression  evermore. 


With  honor  to  himself,  in  blessing  to  the  land 
Four  years  John  Adams  wisely  did  command 
The  ship  of  state ;  and  on  towards  the  goal 
Of  fame  and  glory  did  her  cause  control. 
He  lived  for  many  years  with  pride  to  see 
The  vast  achievements  of  the  brave  and  free. 
July  the  Fourth — the  nation's  natal  day 
In  eighteen  twenty  six  he  passed  away. 
This  champion  son  of  glory  died  in  peace, 
Grateful  to  God  for  all  the  vast  increase 
Of  the  young  nation  he  helped  so  well  to  place 
Upon  the  list  of  powers  whose  history  grace 


JOHN    ADAMS.  21 

The  annals  of  the  past ;  her  future  how  to  trace 

In  lines  of  light  and  beauty  as  you  gaze 

Into  the  untried  path  and  unknown  maze 

Of  glorious  achievement  and  of  fame, 

Which  cluster  now  around  the  rising  name 

Of  this  Republic  upon  her  voyage  now 

Of  Liberty ;  who,  dashing  from  her  noble  prow, 

The  foaming  but  defeated  waves,  still  glides 

Cutting  her  pathway ;  and  from  her  lofty  sides, 

Bids  calm  defiance  to  her  vanquished  foes, 

And  smiles  serene  composure,  as  she  goes 

Steadily  forward  upon  her  glorious  course, 

Relying  upon  her  own  inherent  force. 

And  on  Jehovah,  who  victory  gave  her  arms 

Whoever  will  and  now  all  foes  disarms 

Who  strike  at  Liberty  the  death  blow,  and  who  fight 

Against  the  cause  of  Justice,  Freedom,  Right. 


22  PEN    PORTRAITS. 


THOMAS  JEFFERSON. 


Third   President.     Author  of  the  Declaration  of  Independence. 
BORN  APRIL  2,  1743.    DIED  JULY  4,  1826. 


f  o  thee,  the  tribute  of  great  learning  must  be  paid. 

H  igh  is  thy  path  'mid  ranks  of  sages  made. 

O  f  all,  among  the  writers  of  thy  day, 

M  ore  brilliant  pen  than  thine,  none  e'er  could  sway. 

A  ccomplished  and  refined,  imbued  with  grace 

S  tatesman  by  nature — for  the  highest  place. 

J  efferson  when  he  would  the  mind  persuade, 

E  mployed  the  Grecian  grace  of  Grecian  sage. 

F  irm  as  the  rocks  of  adamant  or  steel 

F  or  liberty  and  for  his  country's  weal. 

E  merging  quick  from  walks  of  student  life, 

R  ising  for  Liberty,  joins  the  Revolution's  strife. 

5  trikes  hands  with  Adams  and  the  future  scans 

O  f  present  needs  and  future  wisely  plans. 

II  ow  when  the  eventful  hour  for  Freedom  comes, 

5  o  full  of  honor  for  Columbia's  sons, 

lie  frames  the  charter  of  the  people's  rights 

A  nd  pen  in  hand  he  walks  immortal  heights. 

D  istinguished  at  the  bar,  in  Congress  wields  a  power 


THOMAS  JEFFERSON.  23 

Which  saves  the  country  in  her  travail  hour. 
E  xcelled  by  none  he  as  a  writer  strove, 
L  caving  for  dead,  who'd  dare  his  pen  oppose; 
L  ifting  away  the  load  of  fear  and  shame  ; 

V  ersing  the  people  who  would  freedom  claim, 
I  n  all  the  mysteries  of  Great  Principles, 
R  e-making  men  made  them  invincibles. 
G  irding  around  him  his  robe  of  peace  or  war, 
I  ntent  for  freedom,  east  and  west  afar, 
N  e'er  falter'd,  but  the  Declaration  framed, 
I  n  which  forever,  the  nation's  fame  or  shame 
A 11  centred,  Jefferson  won  this  proud  fame. 


Twice  President  this  nobleman  of  nature  stood 

The  honored  champion,  for  the  nation's  good, 

Directing  with  accustomed  wisdom,  he 

Eight  years  presided  o'er  the  young  Republic  free 

Laying  a  sure  foundation,  broad  and  grand, 

On  which,  forever,  these  commonwealths  should  stand. 

And  like  his  compeer,  Adams,  so  is  he 

Privileged  to  live,  the  nations  growth  to  see, 

From  out  of  childhood  into  strength  and  power, 

Till,  giant-like,  these  States'  united  tower. 

Through  many  years,  like  Adams,  draws  his  age 

The  champion  patriot — venerable  sage, 

And  in  his  own  Virginian  home  away, 

Retired  from  mortal  conflicts  many  a  day, 


24  PEN    PORTRAITS. 

He  laid  him  down  in  peace  and  gently  died 

The  country's  glory,  ornament  and  pride. 

With  Adams  side  by  side  for  Liberty  he  fought, 

At  first  together,  then  apart,  each  sought 

Not  their  own  good,  but  for  their  country's,  they 

Endeavored  each  the  palm  to  bear  away. 

And  strange  coincidence,  the  self-same  hour  and  day, 

From  earth  to  heaven,  these  champions  passed  away 

From  mortal  life,  to  reunite  again. 

The  nation's  loss,  their  own  eternal  gain. 

Forever  to  join  hands  amid  the  hosts  made  free, 

Who  pluck  and  eat  the  fruit  of  life  immortal's  tree. 

What  tranquil  happiness  must  his  have  been 

Ere  he  had  closed  his  eyes  upon  this  earthly  scene, 

To  see  a  nation  raised — a  country  trained 

Beneath  that  charter  which  his  own  great  wisdom  framed 

To  look  abroad  when  tested  well  by  time 

And  see  this  instrument  inscribed,  as  though  divine, 

The  nation's  bulwark  still  their  boast  and  pride ; 

The  Declaration,  which  was  the  star  to  guide 

The  noble  sons  of  freedom  through  the  storm 

Which  burst  and  spent  its  fury,  ere  the  morn 

Of  liberty  and  national  glory  dawned 

And  hushed  the  wild  and  angry  deep  that  yawned 

To  swallow  up,  and  'neath  its  darkling  wave 

For  liberty  to  find  a  deep  and  dreadful  grave. 


JAMES   MADISON.  25 


JAMES  MADISON. 


The  Fourth  President,  the  Champion  of  the  War  of  1812,  and  the: 
National  Architect. 

BORN  MARCH  16,  1751.    DIED*  JUNE  28,  1836. 


J  ust  at  a  time  when  prudent  toil  the  nation  needs — 
A  time  which,  like  a  crucible,  men's  souls  did  try, 
M  adison,  from  Princeton  College,  like  an  arrow  speeds, 
E  ager  to  aid  the  young  Republic  to  defy 
S  imple  or  complex  forces,  invisible  or  seen, 

M  aking  no  more  the  problem  of  the  national  life 
A  question  of  doubt  or  fear,  forever  puts  between 
D  ear  blood-bought  liberty  and  death  an  end  of  strife. 
I  nstructed  well  he  leaves  his  Alma  Mater, 
S  chooled  by  the  patriot  scholar,  Witherspoon. 
O  f  modest  mien,  but  with  a  genius  bright, 
N  o  orator,  but  like  the  full  orbed  sun  at  noon, 

P  oured  forth  his  quiet  but  grand  and  powerful  light. 
O  n  every  plain  of  public  service  hard  he  toiled, 
R  anking  by  merit  first  among  the  foremost  minds 
T  o  counsel  wisely,  since  tyrants  have  been  foiled, 


26  PEN    PORTRAITS. 

R  edeems  the  country  which  in  party  chaos  finds. 

0  ft  treaties  made,  in  all  great  wisdom  he  displayed ; 
Y  ielding  a  noble  service  to  construct  and  build 

A  government,  though  free,  can  never  be  decayed. 
Let  history  tell  with  valor  how  his  soul  was  filled. 

Valiantly  through  the  war  of  eighteen  twelve  he  led, 

1  nspiring  with  confidence  the  public  mind, 

R  outed  the  foe,  and  freedom's  sons  no  longer  bled. 
G  enial  and  great  in  all  that  makes  a  gentleman, 
I  n  manners  polished,  and  in  conversation  shone, 
N  ever  aside  from  virtue  formed  a  single  plan, 
I  nclined  to  tread  an  onward,  upward  path  the  same, 
A  path  that  leads  to  glory  and  immortal  fame. 

Two  terms  elected  filled  the  Presidential  chair, 
The  model  both  of  honest  toil  and  prudent  care. 
Lived  to  old  age — and  now  the  vast  machine 
Of  a  new  national  code  is  smoothly  seen 
To  run  in  harmony  each  part  with  part 
Which  to  achieve — the  one  great  purpose  of  his  heart- 
He  planned  and  toiled,  and  watched  and  prayed, 
And  realized  ere  cold  in  death  was  laid. 
Arranged  in  order,  'neath  his  wise  control 
Was  every  part  in  one  harmonious  whole, 
Of  the  fabric  vast  of  a  Republic  free, 
So  massive,  solid,  destroyed  can  never  be. 


JAMES    MONROE.  27 

He  was  the  architect  who  reared  that  fabric  high, 
A  national  temple  towering  to  the  sky. 
Kis  work  on  earth  well  done,  he  passed  away 
To  God's  great  temple  and  eternal  day. 


JAMES  MONROE. 


The    Fifth    President   and    the  Great    Diplomatist. 
BORN  APRIL  2,  1759.     DIED  JULY  4,  1831. 


J  udgment  was  thine  above  the  common  lot  of  man, 

A  s  soldier,  barrister,  to  act,  advise  or  plan, 

M  id  legislative  strife  or  international  brawls, 

E  ast,  north  and  south,  in  councils  or  in  congress  halls, 

S  howed  a  capacious  mind  wherever  duty  calls. 

M  onroe  among  diplomatists  may  claim  to  be 
O  f  all  of  them,  for  forethought,  rare  'mong  men  to  see, 
N  e'er  turning  from  the  ardent  purpose  of  his  soul, 
R  educes  Spain,  and  France,  and  Britain  to  control. 
O  f  all  men  none  could  better,  abler  plead  the  cause 
E  spous'd  by  him,  his  nation  and  his  country's  laws. 

Withholding  not  himself,  his  fortune  and  his  all, 
E  ver  was  ready  to  obey  his  country's  call. 
S  ent  to  the  court's  of  kings  to  grapple  foreign  power, 
T  his  statesman  won  the  brightest  laurels  of  the  hour. 


28  PEN    PORTRAITS. 

M  ade  President,  he  labors  for  the  country's  growth, 

0  pens  the  way  for  progress,  no  premium  puts  on  sloth. 
R  ivets  the  ties  of  mutual  love  among  the  states, 

E  very  discordant  element  away  he  takes. 
L  eavens  the  nation  o'er  with  harmony  and  peace, 
A  nd  sees  on  every  hand  prosperity  increase. 
N  e'er  fails  his  approbation  to  bestow  on  all 
D  etermined  well  for  liberty  to  rise  or  fall. 

Versed  well  in  diplomatic  arts  and  arts  of  war, 

1  n  acts  of  peace  his  motto  was  "  Excelsior." 

R  ipe  for  his  rest  in  glory  lays  his  burdens  down, 

G  oing  from  earth  to  God  to  wear  a  golden  crown. 

In  all  things  he  the  path  of  duty  and  of  virtue  trod. 

N  o  other  path  can  lead  to  glory  and  to  God. 

I  n  social  scenes  was  blessed — domestic  strifes  had  none, 

A  n  angel  wife  was  she  whose  heart  Monroe  had  won. 


JOHN   QUINCY  ADAMS. 


The  Sixth  President  and  the  National  Brilliant. 
BORN,  JULY  n,    1767.    DIED,  FEBRUARY  23,  1848. 


J  ustly  may  friends  of  learning,  literature  and  state 
O  f  thee  be  proud,  accomplished,  eloquent  and  great, 
H  e  never  lead  a  boyhood  life,  but  born  a  man — 
N  oblest  manhood  in  him  shaped  her  mighty  plan. 


JOHN  QUINCY  ADAMS.  29 

Q  uickened  by  early  culture  and  the  times, 
U  nrivaled  his  great  intellect  all  glowing  shines. 
I  ncessant  application  knowledge  added  more — 
N  one  may  but  marvel  at  its  rich  and  varied  store. 
C  lothing  himself  in  glory,  flashing  out  the  light, 
Y  ea,  like  an  eagle  soaring,  wings  his  lofty  flight. 

A  dmiration  he  commands  whene'er,  wherever  seen, 
D  arting  the  light  of  thought  like  Sol's  meridian  beam 
A  thwart  the  zenith,  though  lit  with  many  a  star, 
M  akes  the  whole  canopy  from  east  and  west  afar 
S  unlit — out-dazzling  all  that  shone,  as  lesser  lights, 

B  ears  off  the  palm,  brilliant  o'er  all,  'mid  starry  heights. 

R  eliant,  independent,  bold,  courageous,  free, 

A  master  spirit,  "Sans  mens  in  sano  corpore ;" 

I  n  public  offices  of  almost  every  grade 

N  obly  he  served  and  well ;  prosperous  his  country  made. 

T  o  Britain  and  to  continental  Europe  he 

R  epaired  when  young,  their  cities,  colleges  to  see. 

E  ager  to  store  his  mind  with  learning  most  profound, 

E  ach  avenue  of  thought  his  active  spirit  found. 

M  oulded  and  fashioned  thus,  he  President  became, 
A  nd  none  e'er  better  graced  the  Presidential  name. 
S  erene  in  temper,  and  religion  in  his  soul, 
S  elf-love  and  avarice  his  heart  did  ne'er  control. 
A  dvanced  to  old  age,  the  brilliant  meteor  dies — 


30  PEN    PORTRAITS. 

C  an  blaze  no  longer ;  this  the  lamp  of  life  denies. 

H  is  mighty  spirit's  gone,  and  let  him  now  be  laid 

U  nder  a  cypress  tree,  Demosthenes  beside. 

S  udden  his  brilliant  course  was  ended,  and  he  said, 

E  re  he  expired  and  rested  among  sainted  dead, 

"T  his  is  the  last  of  earth,  and  I'm  content  to  die." 

T  he  lofty  spirit  free,  ascends  its  native  sky, 

S  till  brighter  to  shine  on  in  brighter  realms  on  high. 


ANDREW    JACKSON. 


The  Seventh  President,  and  the  Hero  of  the  whole  war  period,  and 
the  connecting  link  between  the  old  and  new  phases 

of  our  political  life. 
BORN  MARCH  15,  1767.      DIED  JUNE  8,  1845. 


A  rude  pioneer  from  the  wilderness  see, 

N  o  pretensions  of  birth — born  a  hero  is  he. 

D  escended  from  parents  of  good  Irish  stock, 

R  iches  they  had  none,  scant  the  store  they  brought. 

E  re  his  advent  on  earth  his  father  has  died, 

W  ith  a  mother  alone,  for  his  wants  to  provide. 

J  aded  by  toiling,  by  scant  poverty  worn, 

A  life  of  hard  labor,  she  toils  on  a  farm : 

C  aring  more  for  her  son  than  all  else  beside, 

K  ept  him  ever  before  her,  her  joy  and  her  pride ; 


ANDREW  JACKSON.  31 

S  ent  him  to  school,  such  an  one  as  was  there, 

O  nly  hoping  some  day  better  things  he  might  share. 

N  ow  this  good  mother  hoped  that  a  preacher  might  she 

W  ithout  any  doubt  have  young  hopeful  to  be  ; 

A  thing  very  like,  had  not  war  intervened, 

'X  eluding  forever  what  so  probable  seemed. 

H  e  heard  how  Prevost  was  destroying  the  land, 

A  nd  how  South  Carolina  by  invasion  was  dam'd, 

W  hen  Charleston  had  fallen,  when  Waxhaw  had  bled, 

S  treaming  with  blood,  the  whole  country  ran  red  ; 

E  ven  up  to  the  home  of  young  Jackson  they  came, 

T  urning  to  death  man  and  woman  the  same, 

T  ill  they  came  to  the  place  of  our  young  hero's  home, 

L  etting  no  one  escape,  these  invaders  did  roam. 

E  ager  to  roll  back  the  tide  wave  of  war, 

M  arching  troops  he  now  followed  from  near  and  afar ; 

E  ven  goes  to  the  front,  to  Sumter's  attack, 

N  or  fails  to  enlist — he  a  soldier  comes  back. 

T  ory  and  Whig  in  the  Carolinas  fought, 

T  o  ruin  each  other  both  parties  now  sought ; 

W  ith  invaders  without  and  bloodshed  within, 

E  ager  for  country  he  boldly  goes  in. 

L  ad,  though  he  was,  like  young  David  was  brave, 

V  alor  as  great  to  this  hero  God  gave. 

E  ntrapped  by  the  foe  and  captured  was  he, 


32  PEN    PORTRAITS. 

M  ost  nobly  from  cowardice  showed  himself  free. 
I  nsolent,  haughty  British  officer  said 
"Little  Jack  black  my  boots" — but  Jackson  replied 
"E  ntitled  to  rights  as  a  prisoner  of  war  I 

C  annot  and  will  not  and  do  not  comply." 
R  aising  his  sword  he  dealt  him  a  blow 
E  njoining  the  youth  how  far  he  might  go. 
E  ntombed  as  it  were  in  a  grave  of  a  prison, 
K  ept  hungry  and  cold,  almost  frantic  is  driven. 

C  ontagion  is  near  him,  no  physic  or  care — 
A  rid  wounded  severely  in  Camden  lies  there, 
T  aken  out  of  the  dungeon,  his  brother  and  he, 
A  mother  to  meet  them,  how  melting  to  see, 
W  eary  with  travel — her  two  boys  once  more, 
B  are-footed  she  came  to  the  prison  house  door — 
A  round  them  to  throw  a  fond  mother's  care, 

U  nwilling  they  longer  prison  walls  should  share, 
N  ow  horrified  she  at  the  harrowing  sight, 
I  nstantly  home  with  her  boys  takes  her  flight. 
O  n  horseback  for  forty  long  desert  miles  moves, 
N  ow  Andrew  walk'd  without  hat,  jacket  or  shoes. 


ANDREW   JACKSON.  33 

C  hilly,  merciless,  drenching  rain  storm  descends 

O  n  their  ill  fated  heads  whom  courage  defends. 

U  nable  this  mother  to  rest  at  her  home, 

N  ow  to  Charleston  with  help  for  prisoners  is  gone, 

T  oiling  for  others,  as  a  martyr  she  dies ; 

Y  oung  Andrew  the  orphan  on  a  sick  bed  he  lies. 

N  o  one  could  ever  this  hero  assail, 

O  r  any  indignity  give  and  prevail ; 

R  uined  in  fortune,  homeless  and  lone, 

T  o  shelter  and  love  him,  there's  not  anyone. 

H  e  teaches  a  school,  with  authority,  he 

C  an  make  the  young  urchins  attentive  to  be. 

A  t  the  age  of  eighteen  a  student  of  law 

R  anks  our  young  hero,  tall,  thin,  lank  and  raw ; 

0  nee  a  lawyer,  then  he's  a  merchant  in  trade, 
L  eaves  practice  of  law,  he's  a  constable  made. 

1  n  due  time  again  over  young  Tennessee, 

N  ow  he's  called  by  the  state  her  attorney  to  be. 
A  journey  to  Nashville,  both  perilous  and  long, 

T  his  bold  fearless  lawyer  sets  forth  hale  and  strong, 

H  e  succeeded  in  business,  won  an  estate, 

E  nters  now  on  the  duties  of  Nation  and  State. 


84  PEN   PORTRAITS. 

H  e  marries  a  charming  young  lady  at  sight, 

E  ngaging  to  marry,  though  a  duel  must  fight. 

R  epresentative  first  to  Congress  he  comes, 

O  f  the  State  Tennessee — when  a  state  she  becomes. 

O  f  resolute,  fiery  and  dominant  will, 
F  or  two  terms  a  senator's  chair  did  fill. 

T  hen  chosen  a  judge  by  the  state  Legislature, 
H  e  fills  it  six  years  with  wondrous  good  nature. 
E  xerting  an  influence  peculiar,  his  own, 

R  end'ring  justice  to  all,  who  their  sins  must  atone. 

E  ngaged  in  many  a  duel  and  feud, 

V  anquished  was  never  by  learned  or  rude. 

0  ur  frontiers  from  Indian  butchery  saved, 
L  oyal  to  Union,  fierce  invaders  outbraved. 
U  nequaled  in  valor — a  hero  renowned, 

T  his  general  immortal  with  glory  was  crowned. 

1  ntent  to  see  Union,  opposed  party  strife, 

0  f  a  Southern  war  foretold  would  be  rife, 
N  o  President  led  such  a  wondrous  life. 

P  assed  through  a  life  of  activity  great, 

E  vening  shadows  now  fall — Heaven's  messengers  wait, 

R  etiring  from  scenes  of  conflict  and  toil, 

1  n  retirement  seeks  peace  from  public  turmoil. 
O  Id  age  now  upon  him,  at  seventy  eight — 

D  eath  calls  him,  he  peacefully  yields  to  his  fate. 


MARTIN  VAN  BUREN.  35 

MARTIN  VAN  BUREN. 


Eighth  President.      The  Sagacious   Moulder,  and  Leader  of  Dis- 
cordant Party  Elements. 
BORN  DEC.  5,  1782.    DirD  DEC.  27,  1862. 


'M  id  party  strife  which  fiercely  burns, 
A  nd  times  when  fortune  sudden  turns, 
R  eversing-  fortune  quick  as  thought, 
T  he  man  succeeds  who  best  can  plot. 
I  ntelligent,  for  law  he's  fit, 
N  or  lacking  judgment  force  and  wit 

V  ersatile  and  calm  of  mind,  he 

A  party  leader's  sure  to  be. 

N  ot  favored  with  a  college  course, 

B  ut  with  a  native  mental  force, 

U  nites  good  talents  and  sound  sense, 

R  ather  this  than  showy  school  pretense ; 

E  Ise  learning's  but  a  showy  dress, 

N  or  e'er  can  hide  mind  nakedness. 

K  eeping  an  eye  to  business,  he 
I  n  a  justice  court  engaged  we  see. 
N  ow  enters  into  Politics, 


36  PEN   PORTRAITS. 

D  oes  parties  fashion,  form  and  fix. 
E  nters  conventions  very  young, 
R  eturns  with  many  a  friend  among. 
H  is  friend  in  chief  is  Aaron  Burr, 
O  f  whose  sagacity  to  stir 
O  r  fuse  a  party :  who'll  demur  ? 
K  eep,  he  was  able ;  organized, 

C  arry,  he  could ;  popularized 

0  ne  great  and  solid  party  mass ; 

L  earned  this  so  well — none  could  surpass. 
U  nable  though  to  shun  all  trouble, 
M  ust  bear  the  brunt  of  party  muddle. 
B  ecomes  the  object  of  all  scorn, 

1  n  person,  mind,  of  glory  shorn. 
A  gain  the  party  currents  turn, 

C  hange  is  at  hand ;  no  more  they  spurn. 

O  f  county  he's  the  surrogate, 

U  ntil  he's  senator  he'll  wait. 

N  ow  made  Attorney  General,  he, 

'T  is  his  to  fill  a  Regency. 

Y  et  higher  to  the  Senate ;  he, 

N  ow  Governor  is  made  to  be. 

E  ngaged  as  Secretary  of  State, 

W  e  send  him  next  to  Britain,  Great. 


WM.    HENRY    HARRISON.  37 

Y  et  more — Vice-President  he's  made, 

O  ffices  held,  of  every  grade. 

R  ises  at  last  our  President, 

K  ind,  gen'rous  man,  benevolent 


He  lived  till  four  score  years  of  age, 
And  then  from  off  life's  mortal  stage 
Death  bid  him  cross  o'er  Jordan's  stream, 
Whose  surging  waters  lie  between 
This  world  of  care,  this  world  of  strife, 
To  join  the  ranks  of  endless  life. 


WM.  HENRY  HARRISON. 


Ninth  President. 
BORN  FEB.  9,  1773.     DIED  APRIL  4,  1841. 


When  the  sound  of  the  bugle  was  heard  in  the  land, 

I  ndependence  the  watchword  on  every  hand, 

L  iberty  they  called  for  all  over  the  land,  and 

L  iberty  forever  these  patriots  demanded. 

I  nstructed  from  youth,  gets  a  sound  education, 

A  nd  elected  by  friends  for  a  doctor's  vocation. 

Meantime,  bereft  of  his  father,  who  dies, 

451776 


38  PEN   PORTRAITS. 

H  e  elects  for  himself,  on  no  other  relies. 
E  nrolling  his  name  as  a  soldier  we  see  ; 
N  ow,  as  ensign,  he's  aided  by  General  Lee. 
R  eady  for  action — a  war  is  at  hand, 
Y  oung  America's  pressed  all  over  the  land. 

H  ast'ning  his  course  to  Fort  Washington  goes — 

A  ctive  service  awaits  him,  he  knows  no  repose. 

R  uthlcss  hordes  of  the  savage  our  frontiers  harass, 

R  elentless  and  cruel — no  foe  can  surpass. 

I  ntent  to  subdue  them,  unites  with  St.  Clair, 

S  avage  hordes  are  repulsed,  their  cause  in  despair. 

O  'er  all  the  vast  region  of  western  soil, 

Now  safe  from  the  scalping  knife,  settlers  may  toil. 

B  eing  brave  in  his  heart,  is  heroic  in  deeds, 

E  ndeared  to  the  West,  soon  high  honor  succeeds. 

R  anked  now  as  lieutenant,  o'er  a  regiment  he 

K  indled  with  ardor  his  army  we  see. 

E  very  man  is  a  hero,  and  onward  they  go, 

Laying  before  them  every  enemy  low. 

E  re  long,  as  we  see,  a  brave  leader  he  makes, 

Y  oung  though  he  be,  rank  of  captain  he  takes. 

J  oining  the  army,  in  years  but  a  boy, 
A  s  brave  as  the  bravest,  every  foe  to  destroy. 
M  aking  for  peace,  battle's  din  heard  no  more  ; 
E  ngages,  he  marries,  when  the  conflict  is  o'er. 
S  eeks  the  calling  so  noble  of  tilling  the  soil, 


WM.    HENRY    HARRISON. 

R  eposing  his  spirit  from  wonted  turmoil. 

I  n  vain  thus  to  plan;: — the  country's  in  need, 

V  ery  soon  to  high  honor  he  indeed  shall  succeed  ; 

E  lected  by  President  Adams  to  be 

R  anked  secretary  o'er  all  the  west  we  see. 

C  hosen  as  soon  as  the  state's  organized 

H  er  first  representative — none  need  be  surprised. 

Asa  member  of  Congress  distinguished  became, 

R  end'ring  services  truly  worthy  his  name. 

L  caving  his  seat  as  a  congressman  he 

E  nroll'd  has  his  name  as  a  governor  to  be. 

S  elected  for  gov'nor  o'er  broad  Indiana, 

C  omprising  ten  times  more  than  all  Alabama. 
I  ncluding  which  now  comprise  three  largest  states, 
T  o  guard  and  defend  he  the  task  undertakes. 
Y  ielding  to  no  one,  the  palm  he  has  won, 

C  lothed  with  more  power,  among  governors  none  ; 

0  f  powers  as  a  judge  and  legislative  function, 

U  ndoubtedly  he  must  have  very  great  gumption ; 
N  o  municipal  office,  but  for  which  he'll  select, 
T  o  military  too,  save  gen'ral,  we  except ; 
Y  ea,  of  militia  too  he's  made  chief  commander, 

V  erily  to  rogues,  though  he  never  did  pander. 

1  n  everything  he  showed  a  true,  honest  heart, 
R  oyally  played  he  a  most  hon'rable  part. 


40  PEN    PORTRAITS. 

G  iving  to  nim  that  which  was  his  due, 

I  n  time  see  him  raised  into  national  view. 

N  orth,  South,  East  and  West,  alike  for  him  declare, 

I  nstalled  into  office,  one  month  lives  to  share 

A 11  the  honors  attached  to  the  President's  chair. 


JOHN  TYLER. 


The  Tenth  President. 
BORN  MARCH  20,  1790.    DIED  JAN.  17,  1862. 


J  ohn  Tyler  was  raised  a  gentlemen's  son, 

O  f  Virginian  youth — none  more  privileged  among. 

H  e  enters  the  college  indeed  very  young, 

N  or  fails  to  win  honor ;  his  work  is  well  done. 

T  o  the  study  of  law,  his  mind  devotes  he 
Y  oung  for  a  lawyer  at  nineteen  we  see, 
L  aw  now  has  an  advocate  boy  at  the  bar, 
E  nters  life  on  the  eve  of  a  terrible  war. 
R  ises  successfully  at  twenty-one ;  he 

C  hosen  a  delegate  of  Virginia  to  be, 

H  earing  how  war  clouds  are  gathering  around, 

Asa  topic  for  speakers,  no  better  is  found, 

R  epairs  to  the  platform  and  rouses  the  mass, 

L  etting  no  one  in  zeal  for  his  country  surpass. 

E  ven  raises  a  corps  of  militia  to  fight 

S  outhern  soldiers  of  spirit,  daring  and  might. 


JOHN    TYLER.  41 

C  ontinues  for  five  years  a  delegate  he, 

I  n  Executive  council  is  next  raised  to  be. 

T  wice  is  given  a  representative  seat, 

Y  ou  see  him  with  honor  his  countrymen  greet. 

C  onservative  strict,  a  constructional  career 

0  f  states'  rights  the  champion  does  always  appear. 
Unbiased  by  motives  of  self  or  of  gain, 

N  ever  violates  honor  his  cause  to  maintain, 

T  o  his  farm  and  the  practice  of  law  now  he  goes, 

Y  ielding  to  sickness,  must  needs  seek  repose. 

V  ery  soon  in  the  legislature  again, 

1  n  behalf  of  his  state,  her  cause  to  maintain. 
R  aised  to  the  post  of  her  governor  is  he ; 

G  oes  next  to  the  Senate — yet  higher  to  be. 

I  n  the  midst  of  exciting  and  perilous  times, 

N  ow  Vice-President  made — so  his  fortune  designs. 

I  n  a  month  the  new  President  suddenly  dies, 

A  nd  Tyler  is  President ;  perforce,  he  complies. 


42  PEN    PORTRAITS. 


JAMES   KNOX   POLK. 


Eleventh  President. 
BORN  Nov.  2,  1795.    DIED  JUNE  15,  1849. 


f  ustly  may  North  Carolina  feel  proud 

A.  s  she  looks  back  to  thee,  o'er  whose  fame  not  a  cloud. 

M  idst  mountain  scenes  nurtured,  independent  and  brave, 

E  ver  true  to  his  friends ;  to  his  country  he  gave 

S  terling  proof  of  his  worth  in  peace  or  in  war, 

K  eeping  virtue  before  him  his  one  leading  star. 
N  urtured  'mong  trees  and  reared  on  a  farm, 
O  ut  west  the  whole  family  go,  fearless  of  harm, 
'X  tending  the  frontier  of  far  Tennessee, 

P  ut  the  axe  with  a  will  to  the  wild  forest  tree. 

O  f  health,  not  robust,  the  forest  in  view, 

L  et  the  man  that  is  stalwart  the  forest  subdue. 

K  eeping  back  from  this  task  to  a  storekeeper  goes, 

M  ind  and  taste  alike  now  this  vocation  oppose. 
E  ighteen  years  of  age  his  studies  begun, 
C  ared  for,  encouraged,  by  the  learned  Henderson. 
K  indled  now  are  the  fires  of  thought  in  his  soul, 


JAMES    K.    POLK.  43 

L  ets  Murfreesborough  school  a  new  pupil  enroll. 

E  nters  a  student  the  sophomore  class, 

N  orth  C.'s  University,  through  he  shall  pass ; 

B  earing  off  her  first  honors,  salutatory, 

E  arnest  and  punctual,  tell  the  whole  history. 

R  eturning  from  college  the  law  is  his  choice  ; 

G  oes  forward,  we  soon  at  the  bar  hear  his  voice. 

N  ow  in  less  than  a  year  possessed  of  great  fame, 

O  n  political  seas  we  herald  his  name ; 

R  eturned  to  the  state  legislature  is  he, 

T  wo  years  representing  his  wild  Tennessee. 

H  elped  Andrew  Jackson  to  go  to  the  Senate. 

C  ongressman  he,  of  Constructionist  tenet. 
A  ttending  this  body  for  fourteen  long  years, 
R  etires  voluntarily,  for  a  time  disappears. 

0  f  Tennessee,  governor,  he's  agreed  to  be  made. 
Lost  twice  re-election,  but  out  from  this  shade 

1  n  calm,  solid  grandeur  see  him  arise, 

N  ever  sun  has  more  nobly  ascended  the  skies, 

A  nd  he's  President  made,  whom  none  can  despise. 


44  PEN    PORTRAITS. 

ZACHARY    TAYLOR 


Twelfth  President. 
BORN  Nov.  24,  1790.      DIED  JULY  9,  1850. 


Z  ealous  soldier,  true  patriot,  modest  and  pure, 

A  chieving  a  fame  that  shall  ever  endure  ; 

C  laim  we  the  highest  renown  for  thee, 

H  istory  fails  to  present  one  more  worthy  than  thee. 

A  s  lieutenant  he  enters  the  army  to  serve, 

Routs  the  western  Indians  with  courage  and  nerve; 

Y  ields  neither  to  savages,  hunger  nor  fire, 

T  o  accomplish  his  purpose,  his  only  desire. 
A  command  of  the  army,  the  southwest  division, 
Y  ou  see  to  this  brave  fighting  hero  is  given ; 
L  caving  Florida,  now  to  Fort  Jessup  he  goes, 
O  'erlooking  the  Mexican,  fierce  Texan  foes. 
R  earing  his  quarters  at  Corpus  Christi, 

O  bservation  at  first,  occupation  by  and  by. 

R  emained  several  months,  next  to  Rio  Grande  goes, 

A  rrives  after  seventeen  days'  marching  close ; 

N  ow  Matamoras  opposite  raises  his  flag, 

G  rand  music  is  pealing,  Yankee  Doodle's  no  drag. 

E  ncamped  in  the  sight  and  range  of  the  foe, 


ZACHARY  TAYLOR.  45 

C  almly  he  waits  for  Ampudia  to  show 

0  f  which  he'll  make  choice,  Peace  or  War  in  his  mind, 
U  ntil  a  true  boundary  both  the  governments  find. 

N  ot  willing  to  wait,  the  Mexicans  pour 

T  o  this  side  of  the  stream,  to  our  side  of  the  shore ; 

Y  ou  now  see  their  General  Arista  in  haste 

V  iewing  our  troops,  whom  he  thinks  to  lay  waste. 

1  n  the  meantime,  when  ready,  our  general  says  "  Fire  !" 
R  ed  gory  the  field,  beaten  foes  soon  retire.  • 

G  rim  with  the  smoke  of  Pal'  Alto's  burnt  plain, 

I  n  confusion,  'mid  fire,  they  rally  again ; 

N  ow  pressed  by  our  troops — not  a  moment's  delay — 

I  n  glory  our  arms  win  the  fight  of  the  day, 

A  victory  brilliant  by  Taylor  is  won, 

H  e  follows  the  foe,  in  disorder  who've  run. 
E  arly  next  morning,  the  foe  for  defense, 
R  esaco  la  Palma  is  the  place  they  intrench. 
O  ut  of  this  natural  fortress  they're  driven, 

O  n  every  side  pressed,  their  army  is  riven. 
F  orced  to  surrender,  Matamoras  yields, 

'T  is  his  to  press  forward  to  new  gory  fields. 

H  e  next  attacks  Monterey  looming  up  in  the  west. 

E  nvironed  by  batt'ries,  yet  he  dares  to  invest 


46  PEN    PORTRAITS. 

M  ore  brilliant  a  victory  soldier  ne'er  won, 

E  ncountering  such  odds — Balaklava's  outdone. 

'X  celling  e'en  this,  Buena  Vista  is  fought, 

I  n  which,  with  a  few  raw  recruits  lately  got, 

C  ompassed  now  round  about  twenty  thousand  and  more, 

A  note  to  "  surrender,"  Santa  Anna  sends  o'er. 

"  N  ot  so,"  replies  Taylor ;  the  battle  fires  flash, 

W  ith  confidence  bold,  on  the  Mexicans  dash. 
A  nd  by  masterly  strategy,  skill,  and  fine  tact, 
R  uin'd  and  beaten,  the  foes  driven  back. 

"  A  little  more  grape,  Captain  Bagg," — wins  the  day, 

'T  is  Taylor's  to  chase  them  in  utter  dismay. 

R  outed,  beaten  and  stricken,  Santa  Anna  retreats, 

U  nequal  for  Taylor,  who  knows  no  defeats. 

E  ndeared  to  the  nation ;  when  peace  is  secured, 

M  odest  hero,  great  general,  to  hardships  inured, 
A  call  now  receives  to  the  President's  chair. 
N  oble  in  peace, — was  as  dauntless  in  war. 


MILLARD   FILLMORE.  47 

MILLA.RD    FILLMORE. 


Thirteenth  President. 
BORN,  MAY  7,  1800,     DIED,  MARCH  8,  1874, 


M  ore  unlikely  for  President  none  could  be, 

I  n  means,  his  poor  father — scarce  any  had  he. 

L  ittle  chance  to  get  knowledge  for  him  did  appear, 

L  earning  a  luxury,  and  books  they  were  dear. 

A  t  the  age  of  fifteen  had  scarce  read  a  book ; 

R  eady  for  college — the  poor  youth  ne'er  did  look. 

D  uly  counseled  by  parents,  to  a  clothier's  trade 

F  illmore  is  sent  to  learn  how  garments  are  made. 

I  n  the  town  of  Sempronius  he  first  gets  a  chance, 

L  ibrary  free,  every  mind  may  advance. 

L  ike  a  wayfaring  man  who  is  hungry  for  food, 

M  illard  sought  out  each  book,  read  all  that  was  good. 

O  n  every  occasion  he  read  when  he  could, 

R  eading  and  studying  as  not  many  would. 

E  very  leisure  hour  spent  in  storing  his  mind. 

S  toring  up  knowledge  he  was  wholly  inclined. 

U  nbroken,  four  years  he  spent  in  this  way, 

M  eets  in  with  Judge  Wood — oh  most  fortunate  day ! 

M  ore  esteem'd  than  the  Judge  was  not  to  be  found, 

E  steem'd  by  all  classes  the  country  around. 

R  ough  in  exterior  the  apprentice  boy  seem'd, 


48  PEN   PORTRAITS, 

H  iding  under  this  roughness  what  this  gentleman  deem'd 

I  ntellectual  resources,  which  only  to  shine, 

L  ike  the  diamond,  or  jaspar,  or  ore  from  the  mine, 

L  aid  on  them,  requir'd  but  the  artisan's  hand, 

C  reating  him  polished,  forever  to  stand. 

A  hint  was  sufficient — the  youth  was  advised — 

Y  oung  Fillmore  to  study,  his  talents  devised. 

U  ntiringly  bends  to  the  study  of  law, 

G  ives  teaching  a  trial,  at  surveying,  no  daw. 

A  dmitted  at  length  to  the  bar  he  succeeds, 

C  arries  the  state,  and  soon  he  proceeds 
O  n  to  the  State  House — signalizes  his  name, 
U  nlocks  prison  doors  for  poor  debtors  in  shame. 
N  ext  to  Congress  elected,  fills  a  term  of  two  years, 
T  hen  to  Buffalo  returns,  as  a  lawyer  appears. 
Y  et  again  twice  elected  to  Congress  to  go, 

N  ext  Governor  made,  for  New  York  decides  so. 
E  lected  Comptroller,  directs  business  and  trade, 
Within  less  than  a  year  Vice- President  made. 

Y  ou  may  search  all  the  pages  of  History  o'er, 
O  f  one  you  can't  read,  your  regard  merits  more. 
R  ising  from  nothing,  reaches  higher  his  fame, 
K  eeping  on  till  he  won  the  President's  name. 


FRANKLIN   PIERCE.  49 

FRANKLIN    PIERCE. 


Fourteenth  President. 
BORN,  Nov.  23,  1804.    DIED,  OCT.  8,  1869. 


F  ortunate  man,  from  his  boyhood  how  favored, 

R  arely  one  against  fewer  drawbacks  has  labored. 

Acad'mies  of  Hancock,  Francestown  near, 

N  ow  offer  him  culture ; — well  adapted  appear. 

K  indness  and  favor  of  all  round  him  he  won, 

L  ove  flow'd  from  his  heart,  like  warmth  from  the  sun. 

I  n  Bowdoin  College  with  praise  graduates, 

N  ow  the  legal  profession  he  next  undertakes. 

P  ractioner  in  law  he  begins  right  at  home, 

I  n  his  first  case  he  fails,  leaves  court  with  a  groan. 

E  ffort  alone,  steady,  constant,  and  he 

R  anks  good  his  position,  as  a  lawyer  to  be, 

C  omes  he  to  engage  in  the  contests  of  state, 

E  nters  now  on  the  stream  of  political  fate. 

H  e  is  sent  to  the  State  Legislature  three  years, 

I  n  the  chair  as  the  speaker  thrice  he  appears. 

L  ast  of  this  term,  for  the  Congress  he's  chosen, 

L  engthy,  eloquent  speeches  against  him  can't  be  proven. 

S  hrewd  and  vigilant  he  as  committee  man  is, 


50  PEN   PORTRAITS. 

B  usiness  and  details  of  labor  are  his. 

O  ffered  often  to  him  were  positions  of  State, 

R  etirement  preferred,  no  high  honors  would  take. 

0  ffered  himself  for  one  cause,  that  was  all, 

U  nhappily  for  soldiers,  should  the  Nation  e'er  call ; 
G  ive  up  he  would,  then,  ties  of  kindred  and  home, 
H  is  life  and  his  all,  for  his  country  alone. 

N  or  did  he  refuse  when  the  exigency  came, 
E  nrolls  he  as  private  goes  forth  to  the  plain ; 
With  Brigadier-General  attached  to  his  name, 

H  e  starts  for  the  field  and  wins  a  proud  fame. 
A  march  to  Puebla,  his  troops  in  good  cheer, 
M  idst  guerrillas  and  vomito,  who  would  not  fear  ? 
P  uts  the  foe  to  the  rout,  at  San  Juan  where  first, 
S  uccess  he  achieves  as  the  war  clouds  burst, 
H  as  a  second  engagement — the  National  Bridge 

1  s  now  sharply  contested ;  his  guns  on  a  ridge. 
R  outes  the  Mexican  foe,  and  an  escopette  ball 
E  nters  only  his  hat,  the  rim,  that  was  all. 

H  aving  swept  all  before  him,  onward  he  goes, 
E  ager  to  follow  and  capture  his  foes. 
R  caches  Plan-Del-Rio ;  the  bridges  destroyed, 
O  ver  a  chasm  that  yawns  deep  and  wide. 

O  n  with  the  work  a  bridge  is  soon  made, 

F  or  a  Yankee  can  anything  make,  the  word  said. 


JAMES    BUCHANAN.  51 

C  hearing  to  General  Scott,  he  arrives, 

0  n  to  the  Valley  of  Mexico  drives. 

N  ow  yonder  the  heights  of  Contreras  are  seen, 
T  ruly  terrible  forts  with  ramparts  between. 
R  ushing  over  the  heights  the  breastworks  are  taken, 
E  very  batt'ry  is  silenced,  the  guns  are  forsaken. 
R  ushing  after  the  foe  'mong  rocks  wild  and  rough, 
A  n  accident  happens  Gen'ral  Pierce,  bad  enough. 
S  lipping,  his  war  horse  falls,  crushing  the  rider, 

M  aimed,  mounts  him  again,  as  quick  as  a  spider. 
E  ngaged,  fought  again  at  Molina-del-Rey : 
'X  tends  help  to  Worth,  and  carries  the  fray. 

1  n  due  time  war  ended,  to  his  home  he  returns, 
C  oncord  now  full  of  enthusiasm  burns, 

O  n  him  now  for  President,  the  Nation's  eye  turns. 


JAMES  BUCHANAN. 


Fifteenth  President. 
BORN,  APRIL  23,  1791.    DIED,  JUNE  i,  1868. 


J  ames  Buchanan  of  Scotch-Irish  stock  is  born, 

A  father  provides  that  his  mind  he  adorn. 

Tvl  id  scenes  that  are  pleasant  his  young  days  are  spent, 

E  nters  college  quite  young,  is  to  Dickinson  sent. 

S  eventeen  years  of  age  comes  forth  with  much  credit, 


52  PEN    PORTRAITS. 

B  egins  his  law  studies,  proceeds  with  great  merit. 
U  niting  his  fortune  with  the  State  when  chose, 
C  ailed  by  the  people,  to  the  State  House  he  goes. 
H  is  patriotism  proved  what  he's  willing  to  be — 
A  ccoutred  a  private — mustered  in  is  he. 
N  ow  for  ten  years  by  re-election  he's  made, 
A  Representative  man — to  his  honor  be't  said. 
N  ext  head  of  committee  Judiciary, 

S  its  down  honored  by  all  o'er  the  Nation  we  see. 

T  o  Russia  as  Envoy  Extraordinary  goes, 

O  n  to  St.  Petersburg  Plenipotentiary  chose. 

N  or  goes  he  in  vain,  he  good  treaties  ensures, 

Y  ielding  gain  that  is  rich  to  our  commerce  secures. 

B  ack  comes  to  his  country — is  a  Senator  made, 

A  nxious  the  nation's  integrity  to  save. 

T  remendous  forces  are  fast  setting  in, 

T  errific  throes  shake  the  nation  within. 

E  ast,  West,  North  and  South,  everywhere  seems  to  be 

R  ising  a  war-cloud,  appalling  to  see 

"  F  air  Sunny  South,"  loud  for  slavery  contends. 
R  ivet  chains  on  her  slaves  still  tighter  intends. 
A  gain  into  office  as  Secretary  of  State 
N  ow  he's  summoned  to  duties  of  importance  great. 
K  eeps  territorial  boundaries  right, 


JAMES    BUCHANAN.  53 

L  eaves  no  room  for  a  future  boundary  fight. 

I  n  retirement  again  he  seeks  for  repose, 

N  ow  appointed,  to  England  as  Minister  goes. 

C  entral  American  questions  discussed, 

O  f  Cuban  and  Spanish  he  tried  to  adjust. 

U  nited  in  conference  Spain,  England  and  France 

N  ow  at  Ostend  they  meet,  these  questions  advance. 

T  o  Aix  la  Chapelle  this  Protocol  goes 

Y  ielding  fruit  that  is  good — so  the  record  shows. 

P  atiently  toiling,  his  country  served  well 

E  ver  seeking  her  good,  his  records  all  tell. 

N  ow  although  he  has  done  for  peace  all  he  can 

N  ow  a  terrible  war  has  almost  began. 

S  lavery  or  Freedom  in  the  balance  is  placed 

Y  ou  look  o'er  the  South — everywhere  see  it  traced 

"  L  et  the  slave  question  be,  or  by  God  we'll  secede." 

V  ainly,  Buchanan  may  now  intercede. 

A  s  President  scarcely  he's  taken  his  place 

N  ow  the  war-cloud  has  risen — who'll  bear  the  disgrace  ? 

I  n  the  terrible  crises  which  now  intervene 

A  s  ex-President  he  disappears  from  the  scene. 


54  PEN    PORTRAITS. 

ABRAHAM   LINCOLN. 


Sixteenth  President. 
BORN  FEB.  12,  1809.    DIED  APRIL  15,  1865. 


A  ugust,  revered  and  most  hon'rable  name, 

B  right  with  glory  thy  record — resplendent  thy  fame. 

R  ises  out  of  obscurity — ascending  the  skies, 

A  great  orb  of  glory  behold  him  arise. 

H  ow  proudly  we  gaze  on  the  glorious  ascent 

A  nation  is  saved  by  his  timely  advent — 

M  illions  of  freemen  and  millions  of  slaves — 

L  incoln  comes  to  the  rescue,  these  millions  he  saves. 

I  ron  shackles  he  strikes  from  those  that  are  bound, 

'N  eath  the  "star-spangled  banner"  not  a  slave  can  be  found. 

C  ries  aloud  on  the  millions  of  freemen  to  arm, 

O  ppression,  secession,  forever  disarm, 

L  ike  the  legions  of  Cyrus  in  numbers  untold 

'N  eath  the  banner  of  freedom  our  sons  were  enroll'd  ; 

L  ike  the  sand  on  the  sea-shore  in  myriads  they  came, 

A  n  army  more  vast,  no  nation  can  claim. 

R  isen  up  to  stamp  out  rebellion  run  mad, 

U  nion  to  save,  they're  in  uniform  clad, 

E  nroll'd  to  march  forward,  and  die  on  the  field. 


ABRAHAM    LINCOLN  55 

C  aring  only  for  Liberty — the  Union  to  shield. 

O  'er  all  the  bright-  sky  of  our  land  blest  with  peace, 

U  nut'rable  gloom  for  long  days  did  increase. 

N  ow  shoots  out  the  thunderbolts  pent  in  the  cloud, 

T  he  flash  of  forked  lightning  with  thunder  peal  loud. 

Y  outh  and  age,  rich  and  poor,  are  appalled  at  the  sight ; 

K  indled  in  warfare,  in  fierce  frenzied  might, 
E  arth's  very  best  sons — all  brethren — how  sad ! 
N  orth,  South,  East  and  West  in  mourning  be  clad. 
'T  is  just  as  this  black,  fiery  war-cloud  must  burst 
U  nder  God  a  Republican  President  first 
C  omes  up  to  the  White  House  and  executive  power. 
K  entucky's  the  honor  to  bequeath  us  this  dower. 
Y  oung  Abraham  Lincoln  is  born  in  Larue. 

T  o  the  West  look  in  pride — admire  as  we  view 
H  er  soil  so  high  honored,  this  statesman  to  claim 
E  arth's  noblest  son  in  the  annals  of  fame. 

G  o,  reader,  far  out  o'er  the  prairie  and  plain, 
R  ide  on  till  the  deep  gloom  of  forest  you  gain ; 
E  rected,  discover  a  cabin  so  plain, 
A  home  owned  by  Thomas  and  Nancy  his  wife, 
T  wo  bold  pioneers  of  a  wilderness  life. 

E  re  the  father  of  Abr'am  through  childhood  had  passed, 

'M  id  poverty  deep  is  an  orphan  boy  cast, 

A  nd  a  poor  widow'd  mother  unable  to  keep, 

N  ow  sends  forth  her  boy  like  a  poor  wandering  sheep. 


56  PEN   PORTRAITS. 

C  an  read  nor  can  write,  save  only  his  name, 
I  s  literally  void  of  all  learning  and  fame. 
P  assed  most  of  his  life  till  fully  man  grown 
Asa  humble  hired  servant,  without  any  home. 
T  ill  weary  of  wandering  returns  to  Larue, 
I  n  his  twenty-eighth  year,  a  poor  man,  but  true. 

0  ffers  to  marry  a  fair  south'rn  maid, 

N  ancy  Hanks,  of  Virginia,  his  partner  is  made. 

1  n  their  sentiments  one,  as  we  well  understand, 
S  lavery  to  them  is  distasteful ;  to  land 

T  o  secure  a  good  title  is  hard  to  command. 

0  n  the  road  they  set  forth,  Indiana  in  view, 

F  rom  Kentucky  remove,  and  their  home  at  Larue. 

A  t  length  their  long  journey  has  drawn  to  an  end, 
'M  id  the  forests  of  Spencer  their  life  think  to  spend. 
E  ight  summers  and  winters  o'er  Abr'am  have  rolled, 
R  ifle  and  axe  his  young  hands  now  must  hold. 

1  n  the  midst  of  the  forest  the  cabin  is  reared, 

C  an  we  do  less  than  wonder  that  e'er  he  appeared 
A  man  of  first  rank  in  the  foreground  of  fame, 
N  ow  soaring  aloft,  heights  immortal  to  gain, 

S  tatesman,  Barrister,  President,  adorned  by  his  name. 
L  ike  a  Moses,  that  he  out  of  bondage  should  lead 
A  host  numbering  millions,  whom  first  he  had  freed. 


ABRAHAM    LINCOLN.  5T 

V  aliant,  victorious,  honored  by  all, 

E  veiywhere  o'er  the  land  by  high,  great  and  small. 

S  afely  guide  the  whole  nation,  her  champion  of  law, 

S  eated  first  in  the  nation — his  voice  to  o'er-awe 

A 11  the  foes  of  the  Union,  the  champion  of  right, 

V  ain  seems  such  a  thought ;  yet  he  did — marvelous  sight. . 

I  n  eighteen  hundred  and  eighteen  his  mother  has  died, , 

O  'ercome  by  hard  toil,  she  has  dropped  from  his  side. . 

U  nder  ten  years  of  age,  no  more  her  kind  hand 

R  ests  on  him,  at  her  side  accustomed  to  stand.  • 

0  ften  called  by  his  mother  the  dutiful  boy, 
F  orgetting  no  duty  her  peace  to  destroy. 

H  is  father  made  choice  again  of  a  wife, 

1  n  kindness  and  care  who  watched  o'er  his  young  life, 
S  aw  to  his  wants  as  a  mother  did  she, 

C  aring  for  Abe — and  for  her  so  did  he. 

O  nly  sent  now  and  then,  to  an  A  B  C  school, 

U  ntaught  was  young  Lincoln ;  scarce  a  year  full, 

N  ot  more  if  were  counted  together  the  days, 

T  o  school-going  given — such  were  rude  western  ways. 

R  emarkable  boy — remarkable  man  ! 

Y  oung  Lincoln  "  picks  up"  all  the  learning  he  can. 

A  fter  licensed  a  lawyer  he  for  the  first  time 
N  ow  visits  a  college,  where  brilliantly  shine 
D  octors  of  law — long  dubbed  LL.  D. 


58  PEN   PORTRAITS. 

M  atriculate  students  of  every  degree. 

A  Ithough  to  no  college  Abr'am  Lincoln  did  go, 

R  ansacked  he  his  grammar — much  pains  did  bestow 

T  o  master  the  rules  of  the  language,  nor  failed 

Y  ielding  not  to  the  task  till  o'er  all  he  prevailed. 

R  emarkable  man.  his  studies  ne'er  ceased, 

0  nward  he  pushed,  his  knowledge  increased ; 
F  or  after  he  entered  a  Congressman's  chair, 

L  incoln  studied  and  mastered — a  thing  oh  !  how  rare, 

1  n  all,  the  first  six  books  of  Euclid  so  well, 

B  id  him  solve  you  a  problem,  the  number  just  tell, 
E  re  the  word  has  escaped  you,  proceeds  with  the  task, 
R  ight  on  from  the  first,  straight  through  to  the  last ; 
T  o  the  end  of  the  problem  without  a  mistake, 
Y  oung  students  or  old,  who'll  this  task  undertake  ? 


LINCOLN'S  FIRST  TRIP  TO  NEW  ORLEANS. 

Nineteen  years  of  age  on  a  fiat  boat  he  hires, 

His  first  trip  he  now  takes,  from  the  forest  retires, 

To  New  Orleans  bound,  down  the  river  he  glides, 

And  stops  by  the  way  to  traffic  besides. 

His  companion  and  he  were  attacked  one  night 

By  pilfering  negroes  who  thought  might  was  right ; 

But  Abe,  who  for  prowess  and  strength  was  renowned, 


ABRAHAM    LINCOLN.  59 

Drove  off  the  whole  band,  not  a  black  man  was  found 
On  board  of  his  boat  in  fifteen  short  minutes, 
And  the  boat,  crew  and  captain  still  safe  were  all  in  it. 
His  friend  was  the  captain  and  Abe  was  the  crew, 
The  cargo  was  goods  which  from  forests  he  drew. 


THE  LINCOLNS   REMOVE  TO   ILLINOIS, 
MARCH  2IST,  1830. 

As  Abraham  reached  his  twenty-first  year, 

His  father  and  family  leave  their  cabin  so  dear, 

Which  their  own  hands  in  West  Indiana  had  reared, 

And  their  course  o'er  the  prairies  to  Illinois  steered ; 

The  father  and  family,  sons  and  daughters-in-law, 

All  on  board  of  the  wagons  which  their  ox-teams  must  draw 

In  safety  arrived  at  their  new  destination, 

And  settled  again  where  civilization 

Is  visible  only  far  divided  apart, 

By  cabins  of  logs  in  the  rudest  of  art. 

In  the  county  of  Macon  they  tarried  a  time, 

Then  settled  where  forest  and  prairie  combine, 

On  the  verge  of  the  prairie  lying  boundless  and  wide, 

While  the  timber  land  stretched  on  the  opposite  side. 

Here  they  reared  them  a  cabin  of  logs  rough  and  plain, 

Ten  acres  of  prairie  fenced  in  with  the  same ; 


60  PEN   PORTRAITS. 

All  hands  went  to  work,  not  one  of  them  fails, 

Abe  doing  his  part — the  splitting  of  rails. 

Now  if  any  one  asks  the  true  explanation 

Why  Lincoln,  the  late  glorious  chief  of  the  nation, 

Is  familiarly  termed  the  "  rail  splitter  "  man, 

This  event  tells  the  story  as  brief  as  we  can. 

But  long  before  this  remember  it's  true 

That  to  Abr'am  rail  splitting  was  something  not  new. 

In  the  Autumn  new  sources  of  trouble  appear 

To  the  family  of  Lincoln  in  their  new  home  out  here : 

With  fever  and  ague  they  are  greatly  distressed, 

And  find  that  they  cannot  much  longer  here  rest ; 

They  determine,  however,  the  winter  to  pass, 

And  brave  every  trial  which  their  lot  may  harass. 


This  was  the  winter  so  famous  for  snow, 

So  deep  that  all  things  on  earth  here  below 

Seemed  buried  forever  (all  over  the  west), 

No  winding  sheet  purer,  'neath  which  mortal  could  rest. 

Such  a  winter  as  this  had  never  been  known, 

None  worse  ever  seen  in  the  north  frigid  zone. 

Pioneers  of  old  standing  and  Indians  and  all 

No  knowledge  possessed  of  a  greater  snow-fall. 

Knee  deep  was  the  deepest  they  ever  had  seen, 

But  this  was  neck  deep — the  frost,  ah !  how  keen. 


ABRAHAM    LINCOLN.  61 

O'er  the  face  of  the  country,  snow  six  feet  all  over, 

On  the  level  had  fallen,  the  whole  earth  to  cover ; 

On  its  surface  a  crust  so  hard  as  to  bear 

The  weight  of  a  horse  on  its  breast  everywhere. 

And  not  a  warm  sun  once  shone  till  the  spring, 

But  piercing  and  cold  rigid  winter  did  cling. 

'Mid  starvation  and  cold,  many  perished  outright, 

And  many  a  home  disclosed  a  sad  sight : 

Their  cattle  were  frozen,  or  pined  in  the  stall, 

While  for  clothing  and  food,  little  children  did  call. 

Now  where  is  our  hero  amid  all  this  snow  ? 

Look !  there  you  can  see  him,  night  and  day  does  he  go 

With  a  bag  of  provisions  strapped  on  his  back, 

One  might  think  him  a  pedlar  with  yard-stick  and  pack. 

Ah !  no.     Staff  in  hand  he  goes  to  supply, 

The  wants  of  poor  families  ready  to  die, 

With  food  and  with  clothing — he  asks  no  reward, 

But  noble  and  kind,  "  Walks  de  erf  like  de  Lord." 

Humane  was  his  life,  and  brave  was  his  heart, 

True  manhood  pervades  him,  throughout  every  part. 

'Mong  the  settlers  when  trials  and  troubles  did  frown, 

Thick  and  fast  coming  on  them  Abe  Lincoln  was  found 

To  be  first  in  their  councils,  the  wisest  to  plan, 

And  stamped  himself,  early,  nature's  true  nobleman. 

When  fully  matured,  he  reached  manhood's  estate, 

He  was  famed  for  his  strength  and  swiftness  so  great ; 


62  PEN    PORTRAITS. 

As  a  jumper,  or  wrestler,  or  runner,  o'er  all 

He  stood  first  'mong  his  fellows,  both  stalwart  and  tall. 

Was  pronounced  the  stoutest  man  in  the  state, 

When  first  he  grew  up  to  manhood's  estate ; 

But  in  mind,  and  in  heart,  was  a  giant  beside, 

Gives  Lincoln  a  place  which  we  look  on  with  pride. 

His  body  though  large  had  not  outgrown  his  mind, 

As  is  often  the  case  among  mankind  we  find. 

Without  going  far  I  am  sure  I  can  find 

Not  a  few  of  my  race  if  I  felt  so  inclined, 

Whose  physical  power  has  far  left  behind 

The  powers  of  their  heart  and  the  powers  of  their  mind. 

Not  rail  splitters  either,  but  men  of  profession 

And  some  who  have  Reverend  within  their  possession. 

Not  slothful  in  business,  our  hero  once  more 

Engages  again  to  handle  the  oar. 

To  one  Offult  of  Springfield,  he  hires  as  a  hand, 

A  flat  boat  to  take,  under  Offult's  command. 

To  New  Orleans  down  the  Sangamon  River, 

When  the  snow  and  the  ice  shall  have  melted  forever. 

To  Springfield  he  goes,  the  best  he  can  do, 

From  Macon  to  Springfield  within  a  canoe. 

The  country  with  water  is  flooded  all  o'er, 

Such  a  deluge  as  never  was  witnessed  before. 

A  flat  boat  to  hire  vainly  Offult  did  seek, 

So  Lincoln  he  hired  at  twelve  dollars  per  week 


ABRAHAM    LINCOLN  63 

With  others  to  cut  down  the  trees,  and  then 

Build  a  boat  for  the  purpose  the  current  to  stem. 

The  contract  was  filled,  the  journey  was  made, 

And  such  was  the  liking  by  Offult  displayed 

Toward  Lincoln,  who  now  by  this  boat  enterprise, 

His  acquaintance  had  made; and  so  firm  he  relies 

On  his  honesty,  wisdom,  energy,  skill, 

He  puts  him  in  charge  of  his  store  and  his  mill. 

Soon  hosts  of  acquaintance  the  young  clerk  has  made, 

And  numerous  friends  while  with  Offult  he  staid. 

But  failure  ensued  and  Lincoln  again, 

Is  compelled  to  look  elsewhere  his  lot  to  maintain. 

His  family  ere  this  have  all  moved  away, 

While  Abra'm  determines  in  New  Salem  to  stay ; 

The  war  of  the  Black  Hawk  sprang  up  at  this  time, 

And  Lincoln  enlists  and  falls  into  line ; 

Of  a  volunteer  company  he  captain  is  made, 

For  the  first  time  as  soldier,  we  see  him  arrayed. 

He  passed  through  the  campaign,  in  no  battle  engaged, 

For  peace  was  concluded,  the  war  was  assuaged. 

In  three  months  he  returns,  and  without  any  means, 

For  the  first  time  he  enters  political  scenes, 

As  a  candidate  runs  for  the  State  Legislature, 

And  bears  his  defeat  with  manly  good  nature, 

Although  a  defeat,  'twas  a  victory  too, 

For  in  his  own  precinct,  where  all  Lincoln  well  knew, 


64  PEN   PORTRAITS. 

All  the  votes  that  were  cast,  save  only  but  seven, 

Out  of  nearly  three  hundred  to  Lincoln  were  given. 

He  still  is  resolved  to  stay  'mong  his  friends, 

Thinks  first  of  a  trade,  then  to  law  books  he  tends. 

A  farmer  he  almost  determines  to  be, 

But  the  law  is  his  choice  if  learning  had  he. 

He  rashly  determines  store-keeping  to  try, 

Accepts  an  assortment  on  credit  to  buy, 

A  stock  of  old  goods,  enough  to  begin 

All  his  plans  to  defeat — swift  ruin  to  bring. 

Time  soon  disclosed  he'd  mistaken  his  trade, 

For  a  failure  more  perfect  no  man  ever  made. 

He  ran  deeper  and  deeper  in  debt  every  day, 

At  the  end  of  the  year  had  nothing  to  pay. 

Next  postmaster  he  of  New  Salem  is  made, 

And  the  store  soon  "  winked  out,"  as  he  afterwards  said. 

Though  the  office  he  holds  is  a  small  one  indeed, 

'Tis  here  the  rail  splitter  begins  to  succeed ; 

Right  here  in  this  office  he  lays  the  foundation, 

Upon  which  he  will  stand  at  the  head  of  the  nation. 

To  the  study  of  law,  his  one  great  intention, 

He  directs  all  his  powers,  spare  time  and  attention, 

Leaves  tippling,  card  playing,  night  parties  alone, 

Which  to  many  a  youth  have  proved  rot  in  the  bono. 

In  the  evening  he  borrowed  from  a  friend  near  by, 

Some  law  books  to  read ;  and  learns  to  rely 


ABRAHAM    LINCOLN.  65 

On  his  own  native  talent,  energy,  skill, 

To  master  the  law  which  these  close  pages  fill. 

In  this  way  he  labors — the  rudiments  gained, 

Which  laid  the  foundation,  on  which  he  stands  famed 

As  a  lawyer  distinguished,  successful,  renowned, 

To  excel  him  the  lawyer  is  yet  to  be  found. 

For  a  short  time  we  see  him  with  compass  and  chain, 

As  surveyor  engaged,  his  living  to  gain. 

Flint  and  Gibson  he  studied  and  learned  to  survey, 

Till  needed  to  serve  in  some  other  way ; 

He  does  not  wait  long — in  eighteen  thirty-four, 

An  election  occurs ;  and  no  one  has  more 

(Either  candidates  old  or  candidates  new) 

Of  votes  to  return  them ;  this  much  Lincoln  can  do. 

Thrice  legislator,  by  the  people  he's  made, 

Nor  his  studies  of  law,  once  aside  are  they  laid. 

In  eighteen  thirty-six  a  license  obtains 

For  the  practice  of  law ; — and  rapidly  gains 

A  name  and  distinction  to  others  unknown, 

By  tact  and  by  methods  distinctly  his  own. 

One  rare  gift  he  possessed  to  illustrate  his  case, 

A  story  well  told  just  in  the  right  place, 

And  so  apposite,  copious  the  stock  kept  on  hand, 

That  no  one  the  secret  could  well  understand, 

How  hi  could  remember  so  vast  an  array 

Of  story,  so  powerful  a  jury  to  sway; — 


66  PEN   PORTRAITS. 

So  humorous,  so  pointed  and  so  apropos, 

When  Lincoln  determined  to  vanquish  the  foe. 

This  power  was  a  gift,  and  a  famous  one  too, 

And  the  speaker  who  has  it  is  hard  to  outdo. 

He  reasoned  with  power  and  debated  with  skill, 

To  his  fellowmen  bore  a  genuine  good  will. 

All  over  the  west  as  a  lawyer  was  famed, 

Till  an  influence  mighty  he  everywhere  gained. 

Intending  henceforth  no  more  to  contend 

For  political  honor,  declined,  to  this  end, 

To  serve  as  a  candidate  though  greatly  desired, 

And  for  legal  pursuits  from  the  field  he  retired. 

This  retirement  however,  did  not  last  very  long, 

For  a  time  was  at  hand  for  an  advocate  strong, 

To  come  to  the  rescue,  and  stand  for  the  right, 

With  manly  intent  and  truth,  which  is  might. 

Remarkable  power  as  an  advocate  showed, 

With  logic  red  hot  his  arguments  glowed. 

No  tawdry  forensic,  artificially  refined, 

But  dominant  everywhere  a  strong  grasping  mind. 

His  efforts  are  stamped  by  the  standard  so  true, 

Common  sense  that  is  massive  and  masculine  too. 

His  success  at  the  bar  did  not  interfere 

To  prevent  his  political,  grander  career. 

Of  the  Whig  party  Lincoln  for  many  a  year 

As  their  champion  bold  never  fails  to  appear. 


ABRAHAM    LINCOLN.  67 

On  electoral  tickets  was  frequently  placed, 

And  to  stump  a  whole  state  was  quite  to  his  taste. 

Presidential  campaigns  were  quite  to  his  mind, 

For,  contests  like  these  he  never  declined. 

He  could  travel  all  night,  and  could  speak  a  whole  day 

For  weeks  at  a  time  for  his  friend  Henry  Clay. 

We  see  him  confronting  Calhoun  of  the  West 

At  the  head  of  his  party,  their  debater  the  best 

But  for  logical  power  and  arguments  keen 

Calhoun  is  no  match  soon  plainly  is  seen. 

In  contests  like  these  Lincoln  bears  off  the  palm 

With  reasoning  profound  yet  simple  to  scan. 

Though  Clay  was  defeated,  Lincoln's  is  not  the  blame ; 

The  reason  is  elsewhere,  we  pause  not  to  name. 

The  question  of  slavery — its  chains  and  its  groans, 

In  congress  is  felt  like  a  fire  in  the  bones ; 

To  keep  it  in  check  the  Whig  party  desires, 

To  extend  it  still  wider  all  southdom  requires. 

Slavery's  the  centre  round  which  everything  turns, 

The  spot  where  political  fever  now  burns. 

All  other  questions  of  state  underlies 

The  tariff  and  labor,  and  hourly  supplies 

New  problems  to  solve,  new  troubles  to  meet, 

Placing  thorns  in  the  down  of  each  Congressman's  seat 

The  political  worm  at  the  root  of  the  tree, 

Which  great  mischief  will  do,  before  it  can  be 


68  PEN    PORTRAITS. 

Unearthed  and  dragged  forth  to  the  light  of  the  day, 

And  forever  destroyed  and  swept  clean  away. 

'Tis  the  troublesome  cancer  that  threatens  the  life 

Of  the  nation  herself,  amid  terrible  strife 

That  doubtless  must  come,  ere  removed  it  can  be, 

With  its  roots  deeply  sunk,  in  the  breast  of  the  free. 

All  through  his  career  -in  political  life, 

Lincoln  slav'ry  opposed,  though  fierce  grew  the  strife, 

Though  the  waters  were  troubled,  the  heavens   were  dark, 

Lincoln  everywhere,  always  reached  forth  to  the  mark, 

For  the  prize  of  his  calling,  so  noble  and'  high, 

Though  mountains  might  shake  and  dark  be  the  sky. 

Let  mountains  be  moved,  and  cast  into  the  sea, 

His  heart  throbbed  the  same  for  the  land  of  the  free. 

His  position  to  slavery  may  thus  be  defined, 

A  just  illustration  of  his  candor  of  mind : 

Slavery,  he  held,  was  abhorrent  and  wrong, 

Yet  deemed  it  not  just  to  the  South,  where  so  long 

Had  existed  this  evil  and  sad  institution, 

To  give  his  assent  to  one  resolution 

That  went  to  make  war  on  its  soil  and  dethrone 

Its  right  to  continue  in  its  own  southern  home ; 

Where  already  'twas  planted  he  was  willing  that  there 

It  might  still  so  continue,  but  no  other  where 

Was  he  willing  that  slavery  should  farther  extend, 

And  for  this  everywhere  he  did  nobly  contend. 


ABRAHAM    LINCOLN.  69 

It  was  not  its  extinction  he  sought  to  obtain, 

Its  extension  he  sought  and  was  bound  to  restrain. 

When  new  states  were  enrolled,  determined  was  he 

That  the  "star-spangled  banner"  should  wave  o'er  the  free. 

Let  slavery  alone  where  already  it's  found, 

But  crush  and  destroy  it  when  it  treads  on  new  ground. 

If  the  men  of  the  South  had  with  this  been  content, 

Not  a  dollar  for  war  would  e'er  have  been  spent ; 

Not  a  cartridge  ignited — no  blood  had  been  spilt, 

Not  a  dagger  drawn  back,  red  with  blood  to  the  hilt. 

Not  a  battle  been  fought,  not  a  cannon  have  thundered, 

While  the  nations  looked  on,  and  trembled  and  wondered. 

Not  a  city  or  home  in  the  land  rent  with  sorrow, 

Which  in  beauty  to-day,  was  in  ruins  to-morrow. 

So  also  it's  true,  slaves,  who're  freemen  to-day, 

Still  slaves  would  have  been,  in  the  old-fashioned  way; 

But  their  masters  designing  this  cause  to  extend, 

The  sword  taking  up,  brought  it  all  to  an  end. 

To  the  colored  race  here  a  word  may  be  said : 

For  your  liberty — oh  !  the  price  that's  been  paid — 

Billions  of  dollars  and  millions  of  lives ; 

Then  value  your  freedom — your  liberty  prize. 

Be  grateful  and  thankful,  oft  call  it  to  mind 

What  a  terrible  ransom,  your  chains  to  unbind, 

It  has  cost  the  whole  country — all  over  the  land — 

And  now  since  you're  free,  true  to  liberty  stand. 


70  PEN    PORTRAITS 

On  the  issue  of  Slavery,  two  great  parties  evolved, 

Which  absorbed  in  their  growth,  or  in  some  way  involved 

All  other  distinctive  political  factions, 

Which  blended,  in  view  of  these  pending  transactions. 

One  party,  for  slavery — -its  right  of  extension , 

The  other — suppression — its  peaceful  prevention. 

One  cries  "  suppress," — the  other,  "  extend," 

While  God  means  to  bring  the  whole  thing  to  an  end. 

The  Democrats  long  had  carried  the  sway, 

But  Republicans  now,  marching  up  the  high  way, 

Shall  in  turn  plant  their  standard  to  wave  o'er  the  field, 

Which  to  them,  for  the  first,  Democrats  must  soon  yield. 

Abolitionists  now,  of  the  north  lose  no  time, 

Republicans  everywhere  fall  into  line. 

East  and  West,  North  and  South — all  over  the  land — 

On  one  side  or  other,  every  man  takes  his  stand. 

From  political  life  Abra'm  Lincoln  withdrew, 

His  practice  of  law  alone  to  pursue. 

At  Springfield  he  sought  and  procured  him  a  home, 

Where  he  brought  his  young  bride — where  his  children 

were  grown. 

In  eighteen  hundred  and  forty  this  retirement  took  place, 
And  for  four  years  he  runs  no  political  race. 
In  eighteen  forty-two  he  married  his  wife, 
To  cheer  and  adorn  all  his  subsequent  life. 
Though  besought  by  his  friends,  re-election  declined, 
For  he,  voluntarily,  for  his  home  felt  inclined ; 


ABRAHAM    LINCOLN.  71 

His  home  he  made  happy,  and  their  friends  loved  to  call, 

As  a  husband  he  stands  an  exemplar  for  all. 

In  eighteen  forty-six  to  congress  he  goes, 

The  pride  of  his  friends  and  the  dread  of  his  foes. 

Tis  the  thirtieth  congress — the  men  who  are  there, 

For  talent  and  culture  will  grandly  compare 

With  any  passed  congress  assembled  before, 

Since  the  days  of  the  Fathers  or  congress  of  yore ; 

And  never  a  congress  before  was  convened, 

More  perturbed  and  excited — which  every  hour  seemed. 

All  through  the  scenes  which  this  congress  revealed, 

Lincoln  proved  what  vast  influence  and  power  he  could 

wield ; 

Was  faithful  to  duty,  though  young,  it  is  true, 
Yet  first  as  a  congressman  rises  in  view. 
As  a  statesman  he  proved  himself  one  of  the  best, 
Standing  first  as  the  champion  son  of  the  West. 
At  the  close  of  this  congress,  so  brilliant  and  great, 
Once  more  he  retires  from  the  business  of  State. 
For  five  years  he  follows  professional  life 
As  a  lawyer  of  fame — shuns  political  strife. 

But  roused  once  again,  his  country  betrayed, 
He  enters  the  contest — the  country  is  saved. 
In  eighteen  fifty-four  takes  the  stump  once  again, 
And  travels  the  country  o'er  mountain  and  plain. 
Judge  Douglas  confronts,  for  the  mastery  competes, 
On  all  great  issues  pending,  this  champion  defeats. 


72  PEN    PORTRAITS. 

Is  nominee  senator  in  eighteen  fifty-eight, 

And  has  gained,  by  his  speeches,  popularity  great. 

His  great  field  campaign  has  made  him  renown'd, 

At  the  head  of  his  party,  republican,  found. 

All  over  the  land  vast  assemblies  addressed, 

Their  champion  comes,  is  their  leader  the  best, 

To  show  to  the  people,  north,  west,  south  and  east, 

Exactly  how  stand  troubles  greatest  and  least. 

In  his  contest  with  Douglas,  as  with  Calhoun  before, 

Victorious  he  is — and  Judge  Douglas  no  more. 

A  republican  party  has  now  been  evolved 

Of  giant  proportions — with  numbers  untold. 

Round  the  ramparts  of  truth  the  millions  now  gather, 

Which  Lincoln  has  taught  them  to  stand  by  together. 

In  eighteen  fifty-six  it  was  first  organized, 

The  Republican  party  which  Lincoln  devised. 

At  Bloomington  met,  where  in  conclave  convened 

Every  man  a  plain  duty  now  readily  deemed 

To  declare  against  slavery  extending  its  sway 

Into  new  territorial  parts  that  outlay, 

To  the  limits  assigned  it :  where  the  Democrats  swore 

They  were  willing  to  leave  it  a  few  years  before. 

But  eager  their  prestige  of  party  to  keep, 

They  struck  out  to  sea — and  once  more  to  the  deep 

Of  political  war,  they  committed  their  case 

Which  roused  the  whole  land,  the  slave  question  to  face 


ABRAHAM    LINCOLN.  73 

Nebraska  and  Kansas  slave  states  shall  be  made, 
Was  the  aim  of  the-  Democrats,  so  sorely  dismayed, 
That  if  this  were  not  so,  their  chances  were  gone, 
To  continue  in  power  as  they  had  done  so  long.. 

All  past  understandings  were  now  swept  away, 

And  Judge  Douglas,  with  others,  did  their  country  betray 

Nay,  further,  they  claimed  constitutional  right 

To  hold  in  the  grasp  of  their  slave-holding  might 

Every  state  in  the  Union,  from  Nebraska  to  Maine, 

And  boldly  this  purpose  they  sought  to  maintain. 

This  kindled  the  fires,  which  fiercely  did  burn, 
And  to  ashes  reduced,  in  its  own  southern  urn, 
The  whole  institution  of  slavery  full  grown 
To  the  size  of  a  giant,  in  its  undisturbed  home. 
The  contest  grew  stronger  and  fiercer  each  hour, 
To  keep  back  the  monster — to  curb  in  his  power. 
'Mong  leaders  of  party  none  nobler  stood  forth, 
As  Liberty's  champion  in  the  West  or  the  North, 
Than  Lincoln,  whom  millions  did  gather  to  hear, 
On  the  platform  or  rostrum,  whene'er  he'd  appear. 
He  was  sent  for  to  travel  the  East  everywhere, 
His  position  define — his  views  to  declare. 
Was  everywhere  greeted  with  wonderous  applause, 
As  the  Champion  of  right  and  Defender  of  laws. 


74 


PEN    PORTRAITS. 


He  is  virtually  now  Republican  leader, 
For  their  ranks  cannot  furnish  so  powerful  a  pleader. 
At  the  close  of  this  campaign  the  crisis  draws  near, 
Secession  is  threatened — the  country's  in  fear ; — 
In  dread  that  amid  such  appalling  dark  gloom, 
That  the  nation  is  nearing  a  terrible  doom. 

To  listen  to  reason — the  South — they  disdain, 
All  hope  of  their  yielding  in  peace  is  in  vain, 
Nay  !  War  is  now  threatened  before  they  will  yield 
For  Republican  standards  to  wave  o'er  the  field. 

Secession  is  mooted,  Disunion  the  cry, 

Which  is  heard  o'er  the  South  and  ascends  to  the  sky, 

An  election  is  pending — who  shall  be  the  man 

To  succeed  to  the  chair  ?  Since  James  Buchanan 

Is  not  likely  again  to  receive  nomination 

By  either  great  party  dividing  the  nation. 

Two  conventions  assemble  to  make  nomination 
Of  the  man  who  shall  President  be  of  the  nation. 
The  Republicans  meet  in  their  "  wigwam  "  so  large, 
The  privilege  of  freemen  they  come  to  discharge. 
In  Chicago  they  meet,  the  "  Queen  "  of  the  West, 
While  union  and  liberty  fires  every  breast. 
In  Charleston,  "  down  South,"  the  Democrats  meetr 
Eager,  still,  the  Republican  hosts  to  defeat. 
But  after  two  weeks  spent  in  angry  debate, 


ABRAHAM   LINCOLN.  75 

Adjourn,  and  no  candidate  can  nominate. 
Judge  Douglas  wont  do,  and  they  cannot  agree, 
Their  cause  in  despair,  they  hopelessly  see. 

Not  so  the  Republicans — in  less  than  two  days 
Their  choice  is  determined.     The  wigwam  ablaze 
With  the  fires  of  delight  and  the  frenzy  of  joy, 
Abra'm  Lincoln's  the  man,  the  rail  splitter's  boy. 
The  thousands  within,  the  thousands  without, 
Now  rend  the  blue  heavens  with  many  a  shout. 
When  announced  that  'tis  Lincoln  who's  chosen  to  be, 
By  this  mighty  convention  of  brave  men  and  free, 
To  preside  as  our  chief  at  the  head  of  the  nation, 
'Mid  times  so  portentous  of  wide  desolation, 
Cheer  upon  cheer  burst  forth  on  the  air, 
By  the  thousands  of  voices  which  all  mingled  there, 
Till  the  sound  of  acclaim  became  deaf'ning  to  hear; 
While  many  a  face  was  moist  with  the  tear, 
As  o'er  the  vast  host,  like  a  wave  o'er  the  sea, 
Emotions  of  joy  swelled  the  hearts  of  the  free. 
The  whole  living  mass  of  the  thousands  met  there, 
Their  voices  commingled  like  one  voice  on  the  air. 
It  was  flashed  o'er  the  country,  and  everywhere  joy, 
Every  class,  tongue  and  pen  did  employ. 
Every  hamlet  and  village,  every  city  and  town, 
All,  save  the  South,  ere  the  sun  had  gone  down, 


70  PEN   PORTRAITS. 

Was  filled  with  uproarious  joy  and  acclaim 

To  Lincoln !  to  Lincoln !     At  the  sound  of  his  name 

All  over  the  land  the  bonfires  did  blaze, 

And  the  atmosphere  filled  with  the  wildest  huzzas. 

Hurrah !  for  Abe  Lincoln,  the  splitter  of  rails, 

Whose  coming  the  nation  with  gratitude  hails. 

We  pause  not  to  tell  of  the  canvass  that  followed, 
Nor  speak  of  the  millions,  so  majestic  and  solid, 
Who  formed  rank  and  file,  the  Republican  host, 
And  marched  to  the  polls,  proud  of  Lincoln  to  boast, 
And  there,  by  their  suffrage,  decided  that  ha 
Should,  of  these  States  United,  the  President  be. 

On  the  fourth  day  of  March,  eighteen  sixty-one, 
At  the  Capitol,  now  down  in  Washington, 
Mr.  Lincoln  appears,  into  office  is  sworn  ; 
That  office,  who'll  doubt  he  will  fail  to  adorn  ? 

But  what  are  the  issues  which  our  President  first 
Is  called  to  attend  to  ?     And,  what  is  the  worst, 
The  most  painful  and  dreadful  that  ever  before 
Were  known  of  or  heard  of,  for  Lincoln  in  store  ? 

Revolt  had  been  plotted,  revolt  was  matured, 
No  Republican  rule  by  the  South  is  endured. 
A  conspiracy  vast  had  been  laid  to  secede, 
If  to  power  the  Republicans  once  should  succeed. 


ABRAHAM    LINCOLN.  77 

A  Republican  President  placed  in  the  chair, 
That  moment  they  meant  the  Flag  down  to  tear — 
The  flag  of  the  Union — oh  !  terrible  hour  ! 
From  every  ship  mast,  every  fortress  and  tower. 
This  seems  more  than  can  happen ;  for  how  can  it  be, 
That  the  flag  which  has  waved  o'er  the  land  of  the  free 
Should  ever  give  place  for  another  to  wave  ? 
Save  only  when  freedom  has  found  her  a  grave. 
Can  a  hand  be  uplifted  this  flag  to  tear  down  ? 
The  star-spangled  banner,  the  flag  of  renown, 
In  all  our  broad  land,  under  any  pretense  ? 
Incredible  seems,  and  admits  no  defense. 

The  men  of  the  South  have  made  a  mistake, 
And  South  Carolina  does  first  undertake 
To  dismantle  the  Union,  the  flag  to  molest, 
Then  six  other  states  in  this  business  invest 

After  Lincoln's  election  four  months  intervene, 
And  no  time  is  delayed.     Complotters  are  seen, 
Everything  to  arrange  and  for  war  to  prepare, 
If  Lincoln's  new  regime  their  plans  fail  to  share. 
Their  right  to  secede  is  the  ground  they  have  taken, 
And  all  other  ground,  save  this,  they've  forsaken. 
This  they  intend,  and  this  they  will  do, 
They  in  public  declare,  this  hold  up  to  view. 

Buchanan  bears  witness  that  this  is  not  right, 
But  to  stop  it,  he  deems,  it  is  out  of  his  might. 


PEN    PORTRAITS. 

His  cabinet  officers  just  do  as  they  please, 

And  on  shipping  and  treasury,  and  everything  seize. 

They  plunder  the  White  House  of  all  that  they  can, 

In  event  of  a  struggle  to  make  good  their  plan. 

The  advantage  to  have,  at  least,  in  the  start, 

They  take  all  they  can  ere  they  all  must  depart 

From  the  halls  of  the  cabinet  chamber,  where  soon 

A  Republican  cabinet  will  stand  in  their  room. 

While  in  South  Carolina,  awaiting  decision, 

Was  an  ord'nance  which  gave  in  their  adhesion : 

That  they,  as  a  state,  had  the  right  to  secede. 

Buchanan  this  act  could  not  supersede 

By  any  authority  vested  in  him 

(So  he  said  to  their  leaders) ;  yet  said  it's  a  sin 

To  make  an  attempt  so  unconstitutional, 

But  which  cannot,  I  think  (?),  be  unabsolutional, 

As  there  is  no  provision  in  our  constitution 

To  hinder  or  punish  this  sort  of  intrusion. 

By  a  veteran  head  of  the  army  advised, 

At  an  earlier  day  the  warning  despised, 

"  To  take  the  precaution  to  hold  in  possession 

All  the  Southern  forts,  in  view  of  secession." 

Not  a  finger  he  moved,  no  response  did  he  make, 

Though  warned  in  good  time  this  precaution  to  take. 

So,  forward  the  work  of  secession  went  on, 
And  rapidly,  too,  everything  moved  along. 


ABRAHAM    LINCOLN. 

In  December,  eighteen  sixty,  the  twentieth  day, 
South  Carolina,  without  further  delay, 
The  ordinance  passed  and  dared  to  secede, 
Notwithstanding  Buchanan  did  earnestly  plead. 
The  anniversary  week,  when  Washington  clave 
With  his  boats,  in  the  night,  the  Delaware's  wave, 
Saved  the  nation  from  ruin,  by  recrossing  the  flood 
Of  that  dark  swollen  river,  and  shedding  the  blood 
Of  the  Hessians  and  British,  who  never  again 
Should  the  mastery  of  him  and  his  army  regain. 
On  the  twenty-eighth  day  Fort  Moultrie  was  taken, 
And  loyalty  to  union  was  formally  forsaken. 
And  the  Palmetto  flag  in  Charleston  was  raised 
Over  government  property,  in  treason,  it  waved. 
(On  the  Battle  of  Trenton's  anniversary  day, 
When  Cornwallis,  pierced  to  the  heart  with  dismay, 
Witnessed  his  troops  in  disorder  retreat, 
While  Washington's  army  his  troops  did  defeat.) 

Next,  Governor  Brown  does  the  same  at  Savannah, 
And  close  on  his  heels,  the  next,  Alabama ; 
Forts  Pulaski  and  Jackson,  both  of  Savannah, 
And  Fort  Morgan  of  Mobile  in  old  Alabama, 
Give  proof  of  their  treason  in  rapid  succession, 
By  hoisting  the  flag  of  revolt  and  secession. 

While  all  this  is  doing,  Buchanan  supine 

Does  nothing  at  all  more  than  simper  and  whine, 


80  PEN   PORTRAITS. 

Nay,  winks  at  it  all — fresh  treason  invites 

By  a  marvelous  devotion  (?)  to  constitutional  rights. 

True,  a  gunboat  is  sent — "The  Star  of  the  West," 

Instructed  Fort  Sumpter  with  troops  to  invest, 

Now  held  by  a  garrison,  by  no  means  efficient, 

For  adequate  service  by  no  means  sufficient. 

She's  fired  at  by  rebels,  her  flag  is  shot  down ! 

From  the  batteries  of  Moultrie,  whose  battlements  frown, 

All  bristling  with  cannon,  that  flag  to  defy, 

For  whose  honor  they  all  should  be  willing  to  die. 

Then  Florida,  Georgia,  join  in  the  fray, 

Lou-ise-i-ana  and  Texas  array 

Their  names  and  their  all  on  the  side  of  secession, 

And  proclaim  themselves  part  of  this  stately  procession 

Of  states  in  rebellion,  who've  already  proclaimed 

No  more  in  the  Union  shall  they  ever  be  claimed. 

Unwilling  to  rush  into  warfare  and  blood, 
And  deluge  the  earth  with  war's  fiery  flood, 
Lincoln  paused  ere  the  fiat  of  death  should  go  forth, 
And  invited  the  South  to  make  peace  with  the  North. 

His  inaugural  address  with  wisdom  imbued, 
Most  wisely  advised  the  whole  South  for  their  good ; 
And  by  every  endeavor,  war,  he  tried  to  avert — 
A  thing — how  abhorrent  to  his  kind  noble  heart. 


ABRAHAM   LINCOLN.  SI 

But  all  was  in  vain — the  decree  had  to  speed 

On  the  wings  of  the  lightning — let  war  supersede. 

For  all  plans  to  secure  a  peaceful  solution, 

Of  adjusting  their  rights  by  the  old  constitution, 

Of  redressing  their  wrongs  and  continuing  in  peace, 

Their  fortunes  and  glory  hand  in  hand  to  increase, 

All  signally  failed ;  one  alternative  now, 

Will  the  case  now  admit — will  the  crisis  allow  ? 

It  is  war,  cruel  war,  fierce  fratricide  war, 

Which  the  national  glory  forever  must  mar ; 

Which  shall  cover  the  hills  and  valleys  with  woe 

Ere  the  arms  of  rebellion  shall  in  ruin  lie  low. 

Ere  the  problem  of  slavery  solved  forever  shall  be, 

And  its  stain  blotted  out  from  the  land  of  the  free. 

Ere  the  flag  shall  be  honored  at  home  and  abroad, 

And  the  nation  be  humbled,  in  dust,  before  God ; 

For  slavery,  with  pride,  is  the  national  sin, 

For  which  God,  the  whole  nation,  to  judgment  will  bring. 

The  time  has  now  come  for  the  "  woe  "  to  succeed, 

For  "  offenses  "  have  come  and  the  nation  must  bleed. 

"  Offenses  must  come,  but  woe  unto  him 

"  By  whom  offense  cometh" — a  curse  it  must  bring. 

Here  we  pause  not  to  tell  of  the  carnage  that  followed 
Throughout  the  long  years  of  this  war  so  unhallowed. 
Defeat  at  the  first  and  victory  at  last, 
For  four  years  through  horrible  slaughter  we  passed. 


82  PEN   PORTRAITS. 

All  over  the  land  how  the  legions  did  gather, 
To  stamp  out  rebellion  and  treason  forever, 
The  flag  to  protect,  the  Union  to  save, 
And  treason  to  bury  deep  down  in  its  grave. 

As  the  conflict  advanced,  the  season  rolled  round, 
When  slavery,  at  last,  must  be  hurl'd  to  the  ground. 
This  was  not  to  be  done  save  as  the  last  remedy, 
The  Union  to  save  from  the  power  of  the  enemy. 

In  the  year  of  our  Lord,  eighteen  sixty  and  two, 

On  September  the  twenty-second  we  view 

The  President  proclaiming  emancipation, 

For  the  slaves  of  the  South — in  those  parts  of  the  nation 

Now  in  armed  rebellion,  as  a  war  measure  he, 

Has  determined  at  last  the  slave  to  make  free. 

All  the  lovers  of  freedom  in  the  nation  rejoice, 

And  their  hearts  lift  to  God  with  true  thankful  voice  ; 

And  the  people  of  Europe  take  up  the  cry, 

And  with  confidence  now  on  our  cause  they  rely. 

On  January  first,  eighteen  sixty  and  three, 
Five  millions  of  slaves  in  a  moment  are  free, 
Their  shackles  are  broken — they  fall  to  the  ground, 
No  longer  a  slave  in  the  land  can  be  found, 
For  this  was  the  day  the  great  proclamation 
Came  into  force  since  its  first  promulgation. 


ABRAHAM    LINCOLN.  83 

The  jubilee's  come,  the  great  jubilee  ! 
Five  millions  in  bondage  forever  are  free. 
The  nations  admire  the  glorious  sight, 
And  Lincoln  seems  clothed  in  a  panoply  bright 
Of  glory  refulgent;  and  high  rose  his  fame, 
When  he  wrote  out  that  article  signed  by  his  name, 
Which  shattered  their  chains,  never,  never  to  be, 
Five  millions  of  slaves  in  the  home  of  the  free. 

This  war  measure  doubtless  accomplished  its  end, 
The  Union  in  danger  it  helped  to  defend. 
And  hastened  a  speedier  close  of  the  war, 
Whose  anguish  extended  from  near  and  from  far. 

In  eighteen  sixty-four,  re-elected  again, 

Lincoln,  President  still,  is  called  to  remain  : 

This  makes  plain  to  the  South  that  the  war  is  sustained, 

The  cause  of  the  North  shall  and  must  be  maintained. 

The  slave  shall  be  freed,  the  rebellion  put  down, 

And  victory  the  cause  of  the  freemen  shall  crown. 

His  inaugural  address,  let  the  reader  peruse, 

And  when  on  these  words  of  wisdom  you  muse, 

There  witness  his  greatness  and  grandeur  of  soul, 

The  candor  and  truth  which  his  feelings  control. 

Twas  Lincoln's  to  have,  of  angels  or  men, 

The  tongue  that  was  eloquent,  while  powerful  his  pen. 


84  PEN    PORTRAITS. 

He  was  ready  his  goods  to  give  to  the  poor, 

And  meekly  was  ready  all  things  to  endure. 

His  body  he'd  give  to  be  burnt  in  the  flame, 

For  the  good  of  his  country,  her  honor  and  name ; 

Which  if  love  was  not  there  would  all  be  in  vain. 

This  was  Lincoln's  to  have ;  in  his  heart  love  did  reign. 

How  that  charity  found  its  home  in  his  heart 

Which  to  no  man  on  earth  bears  an  envious  part, 

Which  harbors  no  malice — no  revenge  to  his  foes, 

Not  a  thought  that  is  selfish  to  anyone  knows  ; 

Which  itself  vaunteth  not,  nor  envies  nor  boasts, 

Nor  exalteth  itself  'mong  inferior  hosts, 

And  ne'er  is  puffed  up,  nor  unseemly  behaves, 

Nor  acteth  unjust,  nor  assumes  crooked  ways ; 

Which  all  things  endures  and  all  things  believes, 

And  never  turns  traitor,  nor  never  deceives ; 

Which  hopeth,  endureth,  and  faileth — no !  never, 

Which  lives  and  abides  the  same  now  and  forever. 

"  With  malice  to  none,  charity  for  all," 

Are  the  words  from  his  lips  in  beauty  which  fall. 

"  With  firmness  in  right  as  God  gives  to  see," 

In  all  that  is  right  let  us  more  earnest  be, 

Let  us  finish  the  work  now  given  to  do, 

Let  us  bind  up  the  wounds  of  the  nation — and  view, 

With  pity  and  kindness,  the  mother  and  child 

Left  widow'd  and  orphan'd  as  the  flames  so  wild 


ABRAHAM    LINCOLN.  85 

Of  warfare  sweep  over  the  land  ;  and  blood 

Flows  down  in  torrents — a  dark  gory  flood. 

Once  again  'mongst  ourselves,  let  our  people  possess 

Peace  and  enjoyment  with  none  to  oppress  ; 

In  peace  with  the  nations  God  grant  we  may  live, 

To  the  achievement  of  which  our  hearts  let  us  give. 

These  are  the  feelings  which  weighed  in  his  soul,- 
Love  towards  mankind  his  heart  did  control. 
With  hope  and  with  joy  begins  he  to  see 
The  close  of  the  war  both  on  land  and  on  sea, 
Looks  into  the  future,  and  with  hope  he  relies 
On  the  goodness  of  God,  whose  boundless  supplies 
Of  goodness  and  grace  once  more  he'll  bestow 
On  the  land  now  so  filled  with  mourning  and  woe. 

In  this  terrible  chapter  distinctly  he  read, 

The  footprints  of  God  so  marvelous  and  dread. 

He  saw  how  the  nation  stood  sorely  rebuked, 

(The  North  and  the  South),  as  calmly  he  looked 

On  the  scenes  of  disaster — the  price  that  was  paid 

By  the  North  and  the  South  ere  the  conflict  was  stayed. 

How  that  God  had  determined  the  slave  to  go  free, 

And  punish  the  nation  that  permitted  to  be 

On  their  soil  a  great  system  of  injustice  and  wrong, 

To  flourish  and  spread,  unmolested  so  long. 


83  PEN   PORTRAITS 

On  the  third  day  of  April  all  with  Richmond  is  o'er, 
The  rebel  headquarters  with  them  are  no  more. 
April  the  Ninth,  eighteen  sixty  and  five, 
Comes  the  end  of  the  war,  all  hearts  to  revive. 
To  General  Grant  the  surrender  of  Lee 
Puts  an  end  to  the  war — how  pleasing  to  see ! 
All  the  nation  rejoices — both  the  South  and  the  North 
That  our  brave  sons  no  more  to  the  field  need  go  forth. 
That  no  more  effusion  of  blood  shall  be  made, 
Since  the  fierce,  bloody  conflict  and  carnage  are  stayed. 
Lincoln  visited  Richmond  on  April  the  Fourth— 
To  see  him,  in  friendship,  the  people  came  forth, 
White  men  and  colored — all  were  happy  to  see, 
But  the  latter  especially,  whom  Lincoln  did  free  ; 
With  wondrous  emotion  they  surged  round  his  feet, 
With  frenzied  delight  their  Moses  they  meet. 
On  the  Fifth  he  returned  back  to  City  Point, 
And  the  two  following  days,  by  his  lady  joined, 
Passed  over  the  battle-field's  desolate  scene, 
Where  armies  were  led — where  carnage  had  been. 
'Mong  the  sick  in  the  hospital  much  time  he  spent, 
And  to  them  Lincoln  seemed  like  an  angel  sent ; 
Like  a  father  he  spake  to  the  wounded  and  dying, 
And  lightened  the  load  of  their  suffering  and  sighing. 

He  returned  to  the  White  House  all  safely  again 
From  Richmond  so  battered,  and  prisons  of  pain, 


ABRAHAM    LINCOLN.  87 

Expecting  each  hour  the  surrender  of  Lee, 

And  then  no  more  of  war  should  anyone  see. 

On  the  Ninth  it  occurred,  and  the  country  all  round 

Was  filled  full  of  joy — mirth  and  gladness  abound. 

The  streets  of  the  cities  with  mirth  overflow 

As  jubilant  millions  now  rush  to  and  fro. 

Cannons  are  booming  all  over  the  land, 

And  millions  their  feelings  cannot  command. 

Millions  of  flags  to  the  winds  wave  on  high 

As  anthems  of  praises  go  up  to  the  sky. 

Before  the  White  House  a  vast  throng  unnumbered 

Gathered  together  as  the  cannonade  thundered, 

While  music  was  playing,  and  the  bass-drum  resounded. 

For  Lincoln  they  clamored,  who  came  forth  confounded 

By  the  terrible  din  of  the  joy  that  now  sounded, 

Demonstrations  of  which  were  almost  unbounded. 

After  speaking  the  word  of  grateful  emotion, 

That  swelled  in  his  heart  like  a  wave  on  the  ocean. 

He  asked  them  to  play  the  favorite  air  "  Dixie," 

\Vhich  so  often  resounded  since  the  year  eighteen-sixty. 

Then  he  joined  with  the  concourse  in  three  stirring  cheers 

For  Grant  and  the  navy  in  all  future  years. 

Cn  April  the  Eleventh  a  grand  serenade, 

Cur  President's  speech — the  last  that  he  made — 

Is  one  that  is  packed  with  religion  and  sense, 

Coming  forth  from  his  heart,  free  from  sinful  pretense. 


88  PEN    PORTRAITS. 

DEATH  OF  LINCOLN. 

The  morning  has  dawned  so  longed  for  and  prayed, 

When  the  clangor  and  tumult  of  war  shall  be  stayed ; 

Rebellion  and  treason  and  bloodshed  no  more — 

The  dark  lurid  torrents  of  battle  are  o'er, 

The  long  weary  years  now  draw  to  a  close, 

And  the  nation  from  warfare  once  more  shall  repose. 

The  country  is  saved — though  fearfully  rent 

Ere  the  tempest  and  whirlwind  of  treason  were  spent. 

And  no  one  more  happy  than  Lincoln  is  seen, 

As  he  watches  the  breedings  of  peace  o'er  the  scene. 

He  now  seems  to  enter  a  term  of  repose, 

How  thankful  to  God  that  war  is  to  close. 

The  first  step  he's  taken  the  army  to  place 

On  a  footing  of  peace  ;  in  fair  lines  to  trace 

On  his  banner  the  beautiful  image  of  peace, 

And  afford  unto  all  from  their  fears  a  release. 

He  inaugurates  first,  without  any  delay, 

For  States  in  rebellion  a  bright  gladsome  day. 

A  government  loyal  takes  steps  to  secure 

For  each  State  of  the  South,  their  rights  to  ensure, 

Forbearance  and  clemency,  charity,  he 

Declared  to  the  South  extended  should  be. 

To  Lincoln  this  task  was  lighter,  by  far, 

Than  the  terrible  duties  pertaining  to  war. 


ABRAHAM    LINCOLN.  89 

His  face  seems  already  all  glowing  with  joy, 
His  heart  full  of  love  without  any  alloy. 
His  humor  so  gladsome,  its  place  now  resumes, 
While  treason  and  war  in  their  grave  he  entombs. 

And  now  see  him  picture  the  future  so  fair, 
The  seasons  of  rest  and  of  happiness  rare 
As  he  thinks  of  the  years  in  the  future  to  come 
Like  rivers  of  Eden  his  thoughts  sweetly  run, 
Ah !  little  he  dreams  that  so  soon  he  shall  lie 
By  a  murderous  hand  struck  down,  he  shall  die. 

His  wife  by  his  side  he  drives  forth  to  enjoy 
The  beauty  of  sunset — no  foe  to  annoy, 
His  heart  seems  with  rapture  filled  up  to  the  brim, 
Light  filling  his  soul,  which  nothing  can  dim. 

But  hark !  to  his  wife — what  forebodings  of  fear 
Now  well  in  her  heart — from  her  eye  falls  a  tear, 
She  says  to  her  husband  "  'twas  with  you  thus  before 
When  our  dear  Willie  sickened,  and  soon  all  was  o'er." 
'Twas  true  this  sad  sorrow  a  shadow  had  cast 
O'er  the  pathway  of  Lincoln  from  that  hour  in  the  past 
Which  shall  carry  its  length  to  the  last  hour  of  life 
Amid  darkness  or  sun-light,  friendship  or  strife. 
But  quickly  recovering,  he  made  this  reply 
"  There's  in  store  for  us  joy,  all  fear  we  defy." 


90  PEN    PORTRAITS. 

Ere  the  words  had  escaped  him  and  died  on  the  air 
His  murder's  determined,  and  no  one  aware. 
No  one  suspects — save  assassins — no  one  knows 
How  soon  he  shall  die  at  the  hands  of  his  foes. 
Many  friends  have  been  coming  and  going  to-night, 
Ne'er  dreaming  of  Lincoln  they  took  their  last  sight 
Till  in  death  they  should  see  him,  pulseless  and  cold, 
No  longer  for  country  the  champion  bold. 

With  General  Grant  he  engages  to  spend 

An  hour  at  the  drama,  his  mind  to  unbend 

So  burdened  with  care  and  duties  of  state 

He  thinks  in  this  way  friends  and  self  to  elate. 

But  engagements  forbid  that  the  general  attend 

So  Lincoln  and  lady  with  Miss  Harris,  a  friend, 

And  Rathbone  go  thither,  as  the  clock  has  struck  nine 

They  enter  the  building — 'mid  the  glare  and  the  shine 

And  shouts  of  applause  as  the  multitudes  greet 

The  President's  party,  who  there  take  their  seat. 

As  the  drama  proceeds,  intent  on  the  play 
The  moments  and  minutes  are  speeding  away, 
When,  sudden !  the  crack  of  a  pistol  is  heard ; 
With  emotions  intense  the  audience  is  stirred, 
From  the  President's  box  a  column  of  smoke, 
The  cries  of  a  woman,  God's  mercy  invokes. 


ABRAHAM    LINCOLN.  01 

When  the  minds  of  all  present  were  absorbed  in  the  play, 

Like  a  tiger  intent  to  spring  on  the  prey, 

The  stealthy  assassin  entered  and  fired, 

And  Lincoln  that  night  breathed  his  last  and  expired. 

Ah  !  why  did  he  do  it  ? — no  mortal  can  tell, 
And  how  he  could  do  it  ? — defies  Heaven  and  Hell. 
Ah !  how  could  he  kill  one  so  generous  and  kind, 
So  noble  by  nature,  with  so  lofty  a  mind  ? 

The  nation  in  joy  was  o'erwhelmed  in  sorrow, 

As  the  tidings  flew  forth  with  the  dawn  of  the  morrow, 

No  demon  in  hell  could  better  have  planned 

How  to  wound  the  most  hearts  throughout  all  the  land, 

Than  that  by  which  Lincoln  was  swept  to  the  grave, 

Who,  as  father  and  friend,  this  great  nation  did  save. 

Many  a  fireside  and  many  a  home 

Was  made  doubly  dreary  and  doubly  lone. 

Sadness  unmixed  has  seized  upon  all 

Throughout  all  the  land  both  on  great  and  on  small, 

From  the  pomp  of  rejoicing,  intensified  gloom 

Covers  all  hearts  as  when  clouds  at  high  noon 

Like  a  pall  round  the  sun,  obscuring  each  ray, 

Shut  out  all  the  light  and  glory  of  day. 

Men  ceased  from  their  business  and  workmen  turned  home 

And  merchants  and  bankers  their  trade  let  alone. 


92  PEN   PORTRAITS. 

Bells  sadly  tolled  in  all  parts  of  the  land 
And  silent  with  grief  mourning  multitudes  stand. 
And  drapery  of  mourning  is  everywhere  se'en 
Enshrouding  the  halls  where  have  recently  been 
The  peal  of  glad  music  and  joyous  acclaim 
Sounding  high  on  the  air  at  Lincoln's  great  name. 
Scarce  a  house  in  the  capital  but  wears  the  attire 
Of  mourning  for  Lincoln — doomed  thus  to  expire, 
Just  at  a  time,  when  all  over  the  land 
Every  true  loyal  heart  he  in  love  did  command. 
The  press  and  the  platform — every  altar  of  prayer 
Joined  in  the  cry  of  the  land's  deep  despair. 

Farewell !  Abra'm  Lincoln,  we  bid  thee  Farewell ! 

We  know  thou  art  gone  with  the  ransomed  to  dwell. 

The  loss  is  to  us — the  gain  is  all  yours, 

Your  unbroken  repose  it  forever  secures. 

You  are  gone  from  the  scenes  of  this  world's  fiery  strife 

To  rejoice  'mid  the  scenes  of  an  endless  life. 

If  you  planned  for  a  respite  from  care  here  below 

A  greater,  God  gave  you  from  sorrow  and  woe 

By  making  your  spirit  a  guest  of  that  home, 

Which  Christ  has  prepared  for  those  who're  his  own. 

From  the  National  Capitol,  your  earthly  abode, 

You've  ascended  the  pathway  by  millions  bestrode, 

Who  have  fought  a  good  fight  and  finished  their  course, 

And  are  ready  to  take  at  its  boundless  resource, 


ANDREW  JOHNSON.  93 

The  glory  eternal  of  life  evermore, 

In*  the  mansions  of  glory  on  Canaan's  bright  shore. 

If  stealthy  assassin,  ruthless  and  cruel, 

From  his  pedestal  struck  one  whose  orbit  was  full 

Of  the  glory  and  honor  which  on  earth  can  be  won, 

The  angels  of  God,  all  alert  looking  on, 

Quicker  than  light  flashes  down  from  the  sun, 

Abra'm  Lincoln  received  when  the  murder  was  done. 

They  bore  his  great  spirit  to  glory  away 

From  the  darkness  of  night  to  the  realms  of  day, 

And  Jesus  received  him  with  the  plaudit  "  well  done," 

And  placed  on  his  brow  a  pure  golden  crown. 

For  sure  if  at  all  can  be  said  of  a  man, 

"  Thou'st  been  faithful  and  true" — of  Lincoln  it  can : 

He  was  true  to  his  country,  and  true  to  his  God, 

And  meekly  as  Moses  "  passed  under  the  rod." 


ANDREW  JOHNSON. 

Seventeenth   President.     The   man  of  the  People   and   Southern 

Unionist  throughout  the  Great  Rebellion. 

BORN  DEC.  zgth,  1808.     DIED  JULY  3oth,  1875. 

A  ndrew  Johnson,  like  Jackson,  when  young  is  bereft, 

N  ot  five  years  of  age,  is  an  orphan  boy  left. 

D  eath,  sudden,  draws  near — his  father  is  drowned — 

R  elief  for  the  mother  in  labor  is  found. 

E  arn  her  bread,  by  hard  toil,  for  herself  and  her  son, 

W  ith  motherly  instinct  at  once  she  begun. 


94  PEN   PORTRAITS. 

J  ust  scarcely  at  all  did  he  e'er  go  to  school, 

O  f  reading  and  parsing  he  ne'er  learnt  a  rule. 

H  e  knew  not  a  letter  at  ten  years  of  age, 

N  ow  apprenticed  a  tailor,  sets  forth  on  life's  stage. 

S  eeing  daily  his  ignorance,  with  smart  of  keen  shame, 

0  f  so  abject  a  place,  for  his  station  and  name, 

N  ow  resolved  to  gain  knowledge,  whatever  the  cost, 

R  esolved  he  in  earnest — not  a  moment  he  lost. 
A  gentleman  came,  to  the  workmen  to  read, 
L  ightening  the  hours  of  hard  toil  did  succeed. 
E  agerly  Andrew,  his  ears  did  bestow — 

1  ntent  to  hear  all — head  and  heart  all  aglow. 

G  reat  speeches  of  statesmen  of  historic  fame — 
H  e  heard ;  and  resolved  that  to  read  he'd  attain. 

N  ow  mastering  the  alphabet,  next  learns  to  spell, 
O  f  books  sealed  to  him,  now  no  longer  we  tell. 
R  emains  an  apprentice  till  his  term  has  expired, 
T  o  Lawrence  he  goes — is  a  journeyman  hired. 
H  e  to  Raleigh  returns,  then  to  Greenville  he  goes, 

C  ommands  steady  work  in  making  men's  clothes. 

A  beautiful  maiden,  accomplished  and  true, 

R  cjoices  the  fortunes  of  Andrew  to  woo. 

O  n  the  work-bench,  the  needle  he  plies  with  good  speed, 


ANDREW  JOHNSON.  95 

L  istening  each  day  while  his  wife  sits  to  read ; 

I  n  the  evenings  he  learns  to  figure  and  write — 

N  o  man  e'er  possessed  more  invincible  might. 

A  s  first  fruits  of  her  teaching,  with  workmen  he  grows 

To  popular  favor — as  one  might  suppose. 

H  is  mind-power  was  vast,  now  so  well  improved 

E  nergy  his,  self-reliance  unmoved. 

'M  id  his  high  aspirations,  towered  high  like  a  steeple 
"A  government  of,  by  and  for  the  whole  people." 
N  ever  shrank  to  oppose  aristocracy's  sway. 

O  n  every  occasion  held  on  his  proud  way. 
F  irm  to  the  interests  of  labor  stands  he. — 

T  o  an  alderman's  post  is  chosen  to  be, 

H  e's  next  a  trustee  of  a  learned  institution, 

E  nsures  Tennessee  a  new  constitution. 

P  lacing  himself  in  the  front  rank  position, 
E  ndeavoring  to  raise  the  workman's  condition. 
O  f  this  large  worthy  class,  the  champion  is  he 
P  ledged  to  his  support  every  man  seems  to  be, 
L  inked  heart  and  hand  with  the  people  we  see 
E  lected  as  their  representative  he. 


96  PEN    PORTRAITS. 

To  hear  him  at  first,  his  voice  seemed  to  whine; 

H  e  warms  with  his  subject,  round  your  heart  to  cntwin, 

E  ach  sentence  and  word,  every  letter  and  sound, 

T  ill  in  ecstasy  held,  you're  a  listener  spell-bound. 
A  s  presidential  elector,  he  canvassed  his  state, 
Y  ielding  good  service,  returns  his  candidate. 
L  egislator  he  was — no  political  hackney ; 
O  mate  he  was  not,  for  the  right,  gained  the  acme. 
R  eturned  to  the  senate  from  Hawkins  and  Greene, 

A  denouncer  he  was  of  what  wrong  to  him  seemed. 
N  ext  to  congress,  this  champion  of  Liberty  goes, 
D  etermined  all  wrongs  in  the  land  to  oppose. 

S  its  senator  he  for  successive  ten  years, 

T  ill  chosen  for  Gov'nor  Andrew  Johnson  appears. 

A  s  United  States  Senator  for  six  years  we  see, 

T  ill  made  milit'ry  gov'nor  o'er  all  Tennessee. 

E  re  this,  he  belonged  to  the  State — but  no  more. 

S  tatesman, — he's  claimed  by  the  country  all  o'er. 

M  odestly  assumes  and  appreciates  well 

A  11  positions  of  trust — to  his  honor  we  tell. 

N  ever  flinches  to  face  the  proud  and  the  arrogant, 

O  r  lets  pass  unrebuked  any  disparagement 

F  rowning  with  scorn  on  the  honest  mechanic, — 


ANDREW  JOHNSON 

A  11  snobs,  rank  and  file,  are  repulsed  in  a  panic. 
'M  id  the  terrible  throes  of  Rebellion  he  stood 
Ever  firm  by  the  nation — her  honor  and  good, 
R  ebellion  denounced — "  Hang  traitors,"  he  cried 
I  ntent  that  no  treason  the  land  should  divide. 
C  radled  'mid  slavery,  'mong  slaves  his  career— 
A  declaimer,  for  African  rights,  does  appear. 

A  cting  under  conviction,  leaps  to  the  front 
N  or  staggers  to  meet  foul  treason's  fell  brunt. 
D  etermined  for  Union  to  stand  or  to  fall 

Utilizes  his  forces,  his  fortunes,  his  all. 
N  or  fears  he  in  eloquent  words  to  proclaim 
"  I  ndivisible,  and  one,  let  the  nation  remain; " 
'4>O  ur  Union  it  must  and  shall  be  preserved," 
"No  right  for  a  state  to  secede  is  reserved." 
I  n  every  particular,  throughout  all  the  war 
S  afety  for  country — his  one  guiding  star. 
T  riumphantly  he  is  Vice-President  made, 

I  ntent  Abraham  Lincoln  wholly  to  aid 

N  ear  the  close  of  the  war  this  office  he  takes. 

W  ith  feelings  of  pride,  sees  the  war  fires  abate,     - 
A 11  Rebeldom  yields — Abraham  Lincoln  is  shot 
R  anks  Johnson  the  President — 'twill  ne'er  be  forgot 


98  PEN   PORTRAITS. 

ULYSSES  S.  GRANT, 


Eighteenth  President  and  Military  Champion  of  the  Great  Rebellion 
of  1860  and  1864. 

BORN  APRIL  27th,  1822. 


U  nlike  most  men,  Grant  by  the  force  of  action  speaks, 

Lets  force  of  words  in  "  silent  majesty  "  alone, 

You,  who  the  world  would  save  by  noise  and  bunkum 

freaks, 

S  trive  hard,  and  sure  defeat,  your  folly  will  atone. 
S  uch  method,  ne'er  the  flag,  the  Union  would  have  saved 
E  ncountering  rebel  hate,  and  rebels'  ruthless  power, 
S  uccess  was  won,  the  Union  and  the  country  saved  ; 

S  aved,  how  ?  by  thought  in  action  suited  to  the  hour. 

I  n  firmness,  daring,  courage,  dauntless,  deathless,  bold, 

'M  ong  Greek  or  Roman  soldiers  none  may  better  boast, 

P  ushing  his  legions  on,  what  valor  we  behold ; 

S  uch  ardor,  calm,  determined,  never  faced  embattled  host. 

O  bstacles  he  trampled  in  the  dust ;  and  onward, 

N  othing  could  stay  his  march,  or  turn  him  from  his  course. 

"Go  on  to  Richmond,"  and  the  legions  pour  "  forward," 
R  each  Richmond,  and  the  country  is  forever  saved  ; 
A  nd  o'er  every  hill  and  valley  south  and  northward 
N  o  treason  flag  did  dare  to  wave,  where  treason  raved, 
T  o  tell  of  shame  of  slave,  or  stamp  us  northern  coward. 


ULYSSES  S.  GRANT.  99 

M  ay  Twenty-Seventh,  eighteen  twenty  and  two, 

T  his  champion  was  born  whom  we  here  bring  to  view. 

P  oor,  but  honest,  his  parents  toiled  to  subsist, 

L  ike  millions  besides,  'twas  a  fight  to  exist, 

E  ager  to  be  independent,  they  sought 

A  nd  hard,  day  by  day,  these  poor  peasants  wrought. 

S  cotch,  by  descent,  they  were  honest  and  brave, 

A  nd  firmly  resolved  every  hardship  to  brave. 

N  ow  Ulysses,  their  eldest  and  first  born  son 

T  o  work  had  to  go — life,  in  this  way  begun. 

4 

P  ut  in  charge  of  a  team  at  eight  years  of  age, 

O  n  the  road,  all  alone,  at  ten  does  engage, 

R  eady,  starts  out — Cincinnati  makes  he, 

'T  is  distant  from  home,  forty  miles,  as  we  see, 

A  nd  business  transacts  for  his  father  while  there, 

G  ives  proof  of  a  spirit,  for  courage  that's  rare, 

E  vinced,  when  a  boy,  perseverance  and  will, 

C  ourageously  facing  every  danger  and  ill. 

O  n  a  pony  he's  mounted,  to  try  if  it  can 

U  lysses  shake  off;  it  tries  every  plan, 

? '  o  use ; — with  persistent  tenacity  he 

T  o  the  pony  clings  fast — shook  off  cannot  be ; 

Y  ca !  the  pony,  a  monkey  is  sent  to  help. 


100  PEN   PORTRAITS. 

0  n  the  back  of  Ulysses  it  perches  itself, 

H  is  hair  pulls  with  venom,  the  sly,  crafty  elf! 

1  n  spite  of  them  both,  the  ring  master's  foiled, 

0  n  the  lad  all  eyes  rest — on  this  heroic  child. 

T  o  figures  he's  apt — yet  can't  go  to  school, 
H  is  father's  a  tanner — of  work  he  is  full. 
E  ager,  however,  to  see  his  young  son 

M  ake  progress  in  learning,  to  his  aid  fain  would  come. 

1  n  due  time  to  West  Point  young  Ulysses  is  sent, 
L  iking  well  the  idea  that  his  life  shall  be  spent 

I  n  the  scenes  and  excitements  of  milit'ry  life, 

T  o  which  no  one  more  suited  when  warfare  was  rife, 

A  mid  bustle  and  tumult,  commotion  and  strife. 

R  anks  he  a  cadet  at  eighteen  years  of  age, 

Y  oung  Grant  at  West  Point,  at  his  books  does  engage. 

C  losely  applying  himself  he  goes  through 

H  is  course  at  West  Point,  which  he  loves  to  pursue. 

Asa  horseman  distinguished — none  more  so  there, 

'M  id  the  various  duties  all  have  to  share. 

P  laced  as  Second  Lieutenant,  Fourth  Infantry,  he 

I  s  in  Jefferson  Barracks,  in  Missouri,  we  see, 

O  n  the  frontier  he's  placed  o'er  Indians  keeps  guard, 

N  ot  much  chance  for  ambition,  dull  enough,  this  is  hard. 

O  n  Mexican  soil  a  war  must  be  fought, 

F  or  this  campaign  young  Grant  and  his  soldiers  are  brought. 


ULYSSES  S.  GRANT.  101 

T  ransferred  to  the  seventh  regiment,  he  goes, 
H  as  distinguished  himself  ere  hostilities  close. 
Evinced  a  rare  prowess  throughout  this  whole  war; 

G  rant  bore  his  part  "  nobly  "  to  do  and  to  dare. 
R  outed,  at  length,  the  Mexicans  yield, 
E  very  soldier  returns  from  the  grim  gory  field, 
A  nd  now  Grant  is  married — has  nothing  to  do 
T  hinks  to  milit'ry  life  to  bid  an  adieu. 

Returns  to  the  life  of  a  farmer,  then  tanner, 

E  ngagements,  than  war,  considerably  calmer ; 

B  ut  impatient  of  these — when  the  country's  once  more 

E  mb roiled  in  fierce  strife — the  nation  all  o'er; 

L  ike  a  soldier  and  patriot  Grant's  seen  once  more, 

L  ion-like  standing  firm  at  the  head  of  his  corps, 

I  n  his  heart  there's  a  lesson  for  treason  in  store ; 

O  ver  barriers  small,  over  barriers  great, 

N  ow  till  he'll  be  victorious  not  long  we  shall  wait. 

Assisted  by  Governor  Yates  he  sets  out, 
Organizes  his  troops  with  a  heart  brave  and  stout, " 
To  Springfield  he  goes  and  colonel  is  made 
Serves  under  McClellan — firm  general  and  staid. 
Made  Brigadier  General — Cairo  headquarters  makes, 
At  the  battle  of  Belmont  his  first  laurels  takes. 
Fort  Donelson  next  he  captures  in  pride, 
And  to  hold  it  secure,  strong  defenses  provides, 


102  PEN    PORTRAITS. 

Thus  forward  from  victory  to  victory  he  goes 

Desolation  and  ruin  to  bring  to  his  foes  ; 

Of  malice  and  envy  he  the  victim  is  made 

By  num'rous  aspirants — but  Grant's  undismayed  ; 

Defeats  their  attempts  to  blacken  his  name, 

And  bedim  the  bright  lustre  of  his  glory  and  fame. 

And  at  last  o'er  them  all  see  him  proudly  arise 

Like  an  orb  full  of  glory  ascending  the  skies. 

By  Congress  for  him  a  medal  is  struck 

And  soon  he  is  sent  for,  to  Washington  up  ; 

And  covered  with  laurels  with  pride  we  now  see 

Grant  commissioned  Lieutenant  General  to  be. 

He  corrects  the  erroneous  plans  of  the  war 

A  new  system  adopts  which  is  better  by  far 

To  crush  out  rebellion  and  draw  to  a  close 

This  horrible  war  with  its  terrible  woes. 

Both  Nashville  and  Vicksburg  he  forced  to  surrender, 

For  Grant  like  Napoleon  has  led  on  in  splendor 

The  glorious  legions  of  the  noblest  of  freemen 

Who  follow  their  leader — how  wond'rous  to  see  them, 

Through  valleys  of  death  and  o'er  hills  sweeping  over 

With  tempests  of  hail  storms  of  bullets  and  powder, 

Beauregard  feels  in  danger,  and  General  Lee 

Now  at  last  seems  the  true  situation  to  see. 

Grant's  campaign  arranged — he  scans  the  whole  field 

Which  ere  long  will  the  glory  of  victory  yield. 


ULYSSES  S.  GRANT.  103 

The  Grand  Army  Potomac  is  ready  to  go 

And  soon  it  will  move  o'er  the  plains  spread  below. 

The  Rapidan  crossed — the  slaughter  began 

In  history  unparalleled  since  time  began. 

This  army  so  vast  through  the  wilderness  moves 

The  slaughter  of  men,  to  tell,  we  refuse. 

As  legions  of  men  on  both  sides  were  slain 

As  these  legions  marched  forth  and  died  on  the  plain. 

The  army  of  Lee  was  numerous  and  brave, 

And  many  a  legion  found  a  wilderness  grave. 

Blood  flowed  like  rivers  and  no  one  could  tell 

Whether  Grant  would  succeed  or  be  driven  to  hell. 

The  thought  is  appalling — we  shudder  to  think, 

From  the  fields  of  this  carnage  in  horror  we  shrink. 

Sherman  and  Sheridan  do  their  part  well 

And  Grant  by  their  aid  soon  the  story  will  tell. 

"  Forward  to  Richmond  "  the  general  cries, 

Torpedoes  and  ramparts  and  Lee  he  defies. 

Richmond  is  taken,  the  rebels  run  mad, 

While  the  lovers  of  nation  and  freedom  are  glad. 

Treason  is  spent — surrender  must  Lee, 

Once  more  there  is  peace  for  the  "  Land  of  the  Free." 

The  general  and  army  now  homeward  in  peace, 
From  the  battle-field  come — a  happy  release — 
To  be  welcomed  and  honored  by  all  in  the  land, 
Who,  their  country  to  save  had  taken  their  stand 


104  PEN   PORTRAITS. 

Shoulder  to  shoulder,  'mid  battle  and  storm, 

Who  their  lives  and  their  all  for  their  country  had  sworn. 

As  a  fitting  reward  for  his  bravery  and  skill, 

For  his  service  to  country — the  sovereign  will 

Of  this  Mighty  Republic,  this  Great  General  have  placed 

Two  terms  in  the  President's  chair — with  good  taste. 

Thus  briefly  our  President's  lives  we  have  traced, 
The  principal  features  of  all  have  embraced. 
And  of  whom  and  of  what  their  successors  shall  be 
We  must  patiently  wait  in  the  future  to  see. 

To  Americans  all,  man,  woman  and  child, 
Statesmen,  merchants,  mechanics,  and  maidens  so  mild, 
Stand  by  your  country,  her  flag  and  her  all, 
And  swear  by  your  altars  she  never  shall  fall. 

Our  motto  "  still  higher  "  "  Excelsior  "  be — 
For  ours  is  the  Land  of  the  Brave  and  the  Free. 


FINIS. 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  LIBRARY 

Los  Angeles 
This  book  is  DUE  on  the  last  date  stamped  below. 


OCT  3  1 1949 
APR  1*71952' 


JAN  18 195? 
1958 


;£C3 
HUG     5 

r/ 


,: 


Form  L9 — 15m-10,'48  (B1039 ) 444 


A    001  240  884    5 


E 

176.1 

L79a 


